Latvia to allow explosives use

The Latvian government has approved amendments to the State Border Guard Law, granting border guards the right to use explosives and explosive devices without warning. The new measures provide for the use of explosive means in cases of group or armed attacks, incursions into Latvian territory, and for liberating captured border facilities. Previously, legislation did not allow the use of explosives, although the State Border Guard possessed an arsenal of weapons. A legal 'gap' has been closed, providing clearer criteria for the use of force on the border with Belarus. Security measures are being strengthened in light of ongoing militarization of borders, as well as potential coordination with other EU countries.

Context

Since 2021, Latvia has reinforced border security with Belarus, taking into account increased risks of military incursion and the need to ensure national security.