RIGA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Latvia launched a nationwide coordinated operation "Vilkatis" (Werewolf) on Tuesday to curb illegal migration along its eastern border with Belarus, according to a press release from the State Chancellery (the Prime Minister's Office).
Initiated by Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, the operation is coordinated by the Crisis Management Center of the State Chancellery, while its implementation primarily involves the Ministry of the Interior's services -- the State Border Guard and the State Police -- as well as the National Armed Forces.
Kulbergs said at Tuesday's press conference that the operation is planned to run until the end of August.
According to the press release from the State Chancellery, intelligence-sharing is a central element of the operation.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia will coordinate with Lithuania, Estonia and Poland on curbing illegal border crossings and secondary migration flows.
According to Latvian media reports, Latvian border guards have intercepted nearly 9,500 unauthorized crossing attempts in 2026 alone. ■
