Major Police Operation in Tallinn Targets Migrants
Estonian police detained about ten suspected migrants in the Nõmme district using drones. This week, 63 migrants have been detained, highlighting continued pressure from Belarus.
A large-scale police operation took place on Thursday in Tallinn's Nõmme district, targeting suspected migrants. Local residents reported that police also used drones during the operation and detained around ten individuals.
On Wednesday, the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) announced that 63 migrants had been apprehended this week, with no signs of a slowdown. Most migrants cross into Estonia from the Latvia–Belarus border, and authorities do not expect the flow to cease until poorer autumn weather sets in.
Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that Belarus is behind the migration pressure, sending migrants to the Baltic states at Russia's encouragement. PPA Director Egert Belitšev added that the focus of hybrid warfare has shifted toward the Baltic states and Finland, as border crossings between Poland–Lithuania and Poland–Germany have implemented additional controls.
According to Belitšev, the situation has worsened this week, with 63 detentions bringing the yearly total to 102, compared to 39 in the same period last year. The influx of illegal migrants places additional strain on the PPA, the court system, and local municipalities.
