NATO air defence fighter jets were activated after unidentified drones entered the airspace of Latvia and Lithuania, prompting authorities to tell residents in several regions to take shelter.
People across parts of both countries were warned to find safety on Wednesday following the security incident. The drones are understood to have entered the countries' airspace from neighbouring Russia or Belarus.
Warnings Issued in Lithuania and Latvia
Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre issued a warning covering Kaunas, the country's second city with a population of around 300,000. Kaunas Airport suspended operations, according to reports.
A code yellow alert 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."
Latvian Authorities Warn of Possible Threat
Latvian authorities issued a warning about 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."
