RIGA, May 21 (LETA) - Although more than three hours have passed since the alert was issued, the National Armed Forces (NBS) currently have no reason to believe that the drone that entered Latvian airspace from Belarus today has left, LETA learned from the NBS.

Information received from residents that the drone has allegedly already crashed is also being verified.

Given the drone’s flight speed, it would have already flown over the entire area where the NBS has issued a warning about a threat to airspace.

As reported, at least one drone that has flown in from foreign airspace has been detected in Latvia on Thursday, according to the National Armed Forces (NBS).

Mobile air defense units have moved into their positions, according to the National Armed Forces; the weapon systems-aircraft and mobile air defense units-are being controlled from the National Armed Forces Air Force Control and Reporting Center.

The Kraslava Municipality confirmed to LETA that the drone was spotted flying over the municipality's territory.

Aivars Belkovskis, the local government’s civil defense coordinator, told LETA that residents had spotted the drone and reported it to the local government. In light of the incident, the local council convened a meeting of the civil defense committee.

LETA also reported, an airspace threat has been declared in Kraslava, Ludza, Augsdaugava and Rezekne municipalities on Thursday morning, LETA was informed by the Defense Ministry and the National Armed Forces.

This means that the warning is in effect in the cities of Daugavpils, Ludza, Rezekne and Kraslava, as well as other towns in these municipalities.

This is the third day in a row in which such alerts have been sent out to residents of these municipalities.

In view of the possible threat, fighter jets from NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission have been scrambled.

The National Armed Forces stress that together with NATO allies they are constantly monitoring the airspace to be able to react immediately to a potential threat if necessary. At the same time, air defense capabilities have been reinforced near the eastern border, with additional units deployed.

The Defense Ministry notes that, as the Russian war in Ukraine continues, there is a risk that foreign unmanned aerial vehicles will continue to approach or enter Latvian airspace.

Residents in Latvia's eastern region of Latgale have received similar cell broadcast notifications over the past few months, most likely related to drones approaching or entering Latvian airspace amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Such drones have also exploded on Latvian territory on several occasions, including on May 7 at an oil storage facility in Rezekne.

So far, no people have been injured in such incidents, but a recent drone crash in Rezekne led to the sacking of Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) and the resignation of Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).