NATO air defence fighter jets were activated after unidentified drones were believed to have entered Latvian and Lithuanian airspace from Russia or Belarus. No injuries were reported.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
NATO air defence fighter jets have been activated in Latvia and Lithuania after unidentified drones were believed to have entered the countries' airspace from neighbouring Russia or Belarus.
People across several regions were warned to take shelter on Wednesday. There have been no reports of any injuries.
Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre said its warning included the country's second city Kaunas. The city is home to around 300,000 people. Kaunas Airport had suspended operations, according to reports.
Code yellow was broadcast around 11pm. People in the counties of Vilnius and Utena were urged to head for their nearest shelter.
The alert said: "The Lithuanian Armed Forces inform: POSSIBLE AIR RAID ALERT (YELLOW). Find a safe place."
"If you see a suspicious object, keep away, call 112. Wait for the all-clear."
The latest warning from Latvian authorities warned of a possible threat in the airspace of Jēkabpils and Madona municipalities.
The warning posted to X reads: "We are informing you of a possible threat in Latvia's airspace."
"No further action is currently required."
"If the situation changes, you will receive a cell broadcast notification about the action you need to take."
Ukrainian military drones have been straying into the airspace of Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
This has raised concern that the war is teetering into NATO countries that border Russia and its ally Belarus.
Moscow has blamed Kyiv of using NATO airspace as cover for attacks. Kyiv, on the other hand, says some of its drones have been steered off course due to Russian signal jamming.
The incident shows how the war is affecting NATO countries that border Russia and Belarus, with civilian shelters activated and airport operations suspended.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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Latvia and Lithuania warn of an airspace threat near Belarus as NATO fighters are scrambled and residents are told to take shelter.
