Latvia Finds Drone Debris in Alūksne District After Six-Day Search Gap

Latvia’s National Armed Forces located drone wreckage in the Alūksne district on Saturday, October 24.

The military stated that the unmanned aerial vehicle most likely crossed into Latvian airspace on October 18. Officials announced the discovery after a week-long period without confirmed findings.

The incident initially drew attention following a report of an explosion-like noise. The National Armed Forces and State Police launched a search for a crash site but suspended operations after two days. Authorities cited insufficient information to determine what had occurred at that time.

An investigation into the event is now active, alongside an internal review of the circumstances. The military confirmed that no civilians were injured. Officials reported that civilian infrastructure sustained no damage and identified no further threats.

The finding follows a similar event in neighboring Lithuania. On Sunday, October 18, the wreckage of a suspected drone was discovered in Juodžionys, located in the Pasvalys district. Lithuania reported that the drone entered its airspace from Poland.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said the drone contained explosives. Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesman for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attributed the Lithuanian incident to Russian electronic warfare measures. Tykhyi added that Ukraine expressed regret over the event.