RIGA, May 21 (LETA) - A drone that flew into Latvian airspace from Belarus on Thursday morning disappeared in Kraslava Municipality, and its whereabouts are currently unknown, the National Armed Forces (NBS) informed LETA.

Radars last detected the drone in Latvian airspace over Kraslava Municipality, and its traces have since disappeared in this area. There is currently no confirmation that the drone has landed in an uninhabited area.

The NATO fighters that took to the air in response to the drone alert were unable to make a visual identification of aircraft.

The NBS decided not to continue the air alert in the Latgale region, as there were no indications that the drone was still in the air.

The military has noticed videos on social networks allegedly featuring the flying drone, but it is difficult to verify the authenticity of these videos to make sure they are not fake, the NBS stressed.

The NBS is not currently conducting a search for the drone on the ground but is in contact with other services.

As reported, a foreign drone flew into Latvian airspace from Belarus on Thursday morning. In view of this, a drone alert was issued in the municipalities of Ludza, Rezekne, Kraslava and Augsdaugava, as well as the cities of Rezekne and Daugavpils.

In view of the possible threat, fighter jets from the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission were activated.

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).