Latvia Targets Migrant Networks on Eastern Border

Riga plans to strengthen security on its eastern border following the discovery of an underground tunnel and a growing number of migrants entering the country illegally.

Interior Minister Janis Dombrava announced closer cooperation between the border guard, police, armed forces and security services. Drones will also be used more intensively for the early detection and apprehension of people crossing the border.

Latvia shares a 173km border with Belarus.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said the crossings are organized by criminal networks that bring migrants into the Schengen Area. Their ultimate destination is said to be other parts of Europe. “They migrate to where it’s easier (to enter the EU). So we must not be the easiest place”, he said.

As part of “Operation Werewolf”, authorities will target networks providing transportation from the border as well as support sites within the country. The government intends to cooperate with Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and other countries.

Last month, Latvian soldiers used tear gas and fired warning shots while stopping migrants. Lithuania also discovered a similar tunnel in July.

(Reuters, bak)