Latvia discovers first migrant tunnel on Belarus border, launches Operation Werewolf
Latvian authorities discovered an underground tunnel near Daugavpils on the Latvia-Belarus border, the first such passage found in the country. Fifteen individuals in sand-stained clothing were detained near the site, located about 10 meters from the border fence. In response, Latvia launched Operation VILKATIS (Werewolf), deploying military, drones, helicopters, and aircraft for 24/7 surveillance. Since early 2026, over 9,500 illegal crossing attempts have been thwarted, compared to 12,000 in all of 2025. The EU views Belarus’s actions as hybrid warfare.
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Second Tunnel Found on Belarus-Latvia Border Amid Migration Surge
On August 21, 2026, the Latvian State Border Guard discovered a second underground tunnel used for illegal border crossings from Belarus, located about 20 meters from the border near Kaplava in southeastern Latvia. The tunnel was concealed with moss and brushwood. During the inspection, 28 individuals attempting to cross illegally were arrested. The first tunnel was found on August 10 near Daugavpils, where 15 people in sand-stained clothing were detained. These discoveries come amid intensified migration pressure orchestrated by Belarus on Latvia's border. In response, Latvia launched Operation 'VILKATIS' on August 11, deploying police, military, drones, helicopters, and aircraft for surveillance. To date, over 9,500 illegal crossing attempts have been thwarted in 2026, compared to approximately 12,000 in all of 2025.
Second Tunnel Found on Belarus-Latvia Border; 28 Illegal Migrants Arrested
On 20 August 2026, Latvian border guards discovered a second underground tunnel dug under the border with Belarus, located about 20 meters from the border near Kaplava in southeastern Latvia. The passage was concealed with moss and brushwood. During the inspection, 28 individuals attempting to cross illegally were arrested. The first tunnel was found on 10 August near Daugavpils, where 15 people in sand-stained clothing were detained. These discoveries come amid intensified migration pressure orchestrated by Belarus. In response, Latvia launched Operation 'VILKATIS' on 11 August, deploying police, military, drones, helicopters, and aircraft for border surveillance. To date, over 9,500 illegal crossing attempts have been thwarted in 2026, compared to approximately 12,000 in all of 2025.
Second Tunnel Found on Belarus-Latvia Border; 28 Illegal Crossers Arrested
On 21 August 2026, the Latvian State Border Guard announced the discovery of a second underground tunnel used for illegal border crossings from Belarus into Latvia. The tunnel was found approximately 20 meters from the border near Kaplava in southeastern Latvia, covered with moss and brushwood. During the inspection, 28 individuals attempting to cross illegally were arrested. The first such tunnel was discovered on 10 August near Daugavpils, where 15 people in sand-stained clothing were detained. These incidents are part of intensifying migration pressure orchestrated by Belarus on Latvia's border. In response, Latvia launched Operation 'VILKATIS' on 11 August, deploying police, military, drones, helicopters, and aircraft for enhanced surveillance. To date, over 9,500 illegal crossing attempts have been thwarted in 2026, compared to approximately 12,000 in all of 2025.
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Latvia Launches Operation Werewolf to Repel Migrants at Belarus Border, Discovers First Underground Tunnel
Latvia has announced a tightened border security operation named 'Werewolf' to stop illegal migration from Belarus, deploying drones and video surveillance. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs declared an end to organized migration, citing a sharp increase in refugee attempts over five years, primarily from the Middle East and Africa. The EU views Belarus's strategy as hybrid warfare. For the first time, an underground tunnel used by migrants was discovered at the Latvian-Belarusian border, similar to tunnels found in Lithuania. The operation, running throughout August, involves the State Border Guard, Police, and National Armed Forces, coordinated by the Crisis Management Center. Latvia is also cooperating with Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, but not NATO troops. Over 9,500 people have been prevented from crossing illegally this year, compared to 12,000 in 2025.
Read sourceFirst Migrant Tunnel Discovered on Latvia-Belarus Border; Latvia Launches 'Operation Werewolf'
Latvian authorities have discovered the first secret tunnel on the country's border with Belarus, through which migrants could travel underground into the EU. Interior Minister Janis Dombrava announced the find near the closed Silene crossing, made by border guards, military, and police. The tunnel was located about 10 meters from the border fence while reconstructing the entry route of a group of intercepted migrants; 15 people were arrested. Similar tunnels have previously been found on the Lithuania-Belarus and Poland-Belarus borders. In response, Latvia has launched 'Operation Werewolf' to target smuggling networks and logistics hubs, and will cooperate with Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs described the situation as a 'hybrid threat' and has doubled the number of border guards. Last month, Latvian soldiers used tear gas and fired a warning shot to prevent border crossings.
Read sourceUnderground Tunnel Discovered on Latvia-Belarus Border Used by Illegal Migrants
Latvian authorities have discovered an underground tunnel on the border with Belarus near Daugavpils, the first such passage found in Latvia. Interior Minister Janis Dombrava reported that 15 individuals in sand-stained clothing were detained near the site, located approximately 10 meters from the border fence. The discovery marks an escalation in hybrid warfare tactics, as previous illegal crossings involved exploiting gaps or jumping over the barrier. In response, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced Operation VILKATIS, deploying military support, drones, helicopters, and aircraft for 24/7 surveillance. Latvia has faced significant migration pressure since early 2026, with over 9,500 thwarted crossing attempts so far, compared to 12,000 in all of 2025. Meanwhile, Poland reports only 235 illegal crossing attempts in the first half of 2026, a sharp drop from 15,500 in the same period last year, indicating the pressure has shifted to Latvia.
Underground Tunnel Discovered on Latvia-Belarus Border Used by Illegal Migrants
Latvian authorities have discovered an underground tunnel on the border with Belarus near Daugavpils, the first such passage found in Latvia. Interior Minister Janis Dombrava reported that 15 individuals in sand-stained clothing were detained near the site, located approximately 10 meters from the border fence. In response, Latvia launched Operation VILKATIS, deploying military support, drones, helicopters, and aircraft for 24/7 surveillance to combat illegal migration. Since the start of 2026, Latvia has thwarted over 9,500 illegal crossing attempts, following approximately 12,000 in 2025. Meanwhile, Poland reports low and irregular pressure on its border, with only 235 illegal crossing attempts in the first half of 2026, compared to 15,500 in the same period last year.
Underground Tunnel Discovered on Latvia-Belarus Border
Latvian authorities have discovered an underground tunnel on the border with Belarus near Daugavpils, the first such passage found in Latvia. Interior Minister Janis Dombrava reported that 15 individuals in sand-stained clothing were detained near the site, located about 10 meters from the border fence. The discovery marks an escalation in hybrid warfare tactics, as previous illegal crossings involved exploiting gaps or jumping over the barrier. In response, Latvia launched Operation VILKATIS, deploying military support, drones, helicopters, and aircraft for 24/7 surveillance. Since the start of 2026, over 9,500 illegal crossing attempts have been thwarted, compared to 12,000 in all of 2025. Meanwhile, Poland reports only 235 attempts in the first half of 2026, a sharp drop from 15,500 in the same period last year, indicating the pressure is currently concentrated on Latvia.