Latvia extends border operation "Vilkatis" to year's end as migrant pressure rises
Latvia's government has extended the border security operation "Vilkatis" until December 31 after renewed pressure from irregular migrants at the eastern border over the past two weeks. Crisis Management Center head Arvis Zīle said organizers are now even using force to push migrants across.
Latvia's government decided today to extend the border security operation known as "Vilkatis" through December 31, Crisis Management Center (KVC) head Arvis Zīle told reporters. He said that over the past two weeks, pressure from irregular border crossers at Latvia's eastern border has intensified again.
According to Zīle, organizers of illegal migration are now using virtually any means available to move migrants across the border, including physically forcing people to cross. He also noted a renewed increase in incidents where border surveillance cameras are being dismantled or stolen.
Zīle acknowledged that the recent spike in pressure could be linked to Latvia's parliamentary elections, but stressed that such an assessment should come from security agencies rather than the Crisis Management Center itself.
Goals unchanged
Zīle explained that the operation's strategic objectives remain the same: developing proposals to strengthen the capacity of the State Border Guard so the agency can handle irregular migration independently, without relying on other bodies. Plans also include wider use of technical tools such as drones and various sensors.
Zīle revealed he had originally proposed extending the operation only until November 3, but following discussion in government, officials settled on the longer deadline of December 31.
Results so far
Assessing the operation's achievements, Zīle said that early on it became clear that the number of irregular migration cases was leveling out between Latvia and Lithuania, meaning Latvia was no longer the region's "weak link." Several organizers of illegal migration have been detained during the operation, including four such criminals apprehended in just the past four weeks.
Operation "Vilkatis" began on August 11 to secure Latvia's eastern border and reduce irregular border crossings in that part of the country. It was initially meant to end in late August, was later extended to early October, and has now been extended again to the end of the year.
