Approved event from Hybrid War Tracker
Headline: Latvian National Armed Forces Publish Evidence of Belarus Involvement in Illegal Migration Planning and Organization
Short Summary: Latvian National Armed Forces reveal fixed incidents proving Belarus's involvement in planning and organizing illegal migration across Latvia's border on 13 January 2026.
Extended Summary: On the evening of 13 January 2026, the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) and the State Border Guard publicly released evidence confirming Belarusian military involvement in the planning and organization of illegal migration attempts targeting Latvia's borders. The evidence includes fixed incidents revealing Belarusian military coordination to transfer illegal migrants using military transport and personnel to facilitate border crossing. Specific material related to the 19th Mechanized Brigade from the Vitebsk region was identified. Additionally, mobile units monitored activities of Belarusian border forces with specialized military transport vehicles used for migrant transportation. The NBS and Border Guard report that Belarus uses information leakage and hybrid warfare elements to coerce Latvia. This operation is part of a broader hybrid threat using illegal migration as a tool. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity to Latvia's emergency number 112 or the State Border Guard hotline 67913300. Cooperation between Latvia's State Border Guard, NBS, and police has been continuous since 2021 to counter illegal migration threats along the Latvian-Belarusian border. The Latvian authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining vigilance against such hybrid threats targeting their national and European security.
The Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) and State Border Guard have published verified evidence showing Belarusian military involvement in organizing illegal migration across Latvia's borders. The evidence comes from fixed incidents and material linked to Belarusian military units, particularly the 19th Mechanized Brigade from the Vitebsk region, using military transport and personnel to facilitate migrant crossing. Recent mobile observations confirmed Belarusian use of military vehicles for illegal migrant transport near border areas. Officials warn that illegal migration is being used by Belarus as a hybrid warfare instrument involving information leaks and coercion. Citizens are advised to report suspicious activities promptly via emergency hotlines. This measure aligns with the ongoing cooperation since 2021 between Latvian border security forces and military to counter illegal migration threats at the eastern border.
Classified as aggressor because Belarusian military units, including the 19th Mechanized Brigade, are explicitly involved in organizing illegal migration as a hybrid warfare tactic targeting Latvia. Classified as defense because Latvian National Armed Forces, State Border Guard, and police have ongoing cooperative border security and counter-hybrid threat measures since 2021 along the Latvia-Belarus border.
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