RIGA, Oct 22 (LETA) - Considering persistent migration pressure on Latvia's border with Belarus, the Saeima reapproved the government's decision to extend the state of emergency in four Latvian municipalities bordering with Belarus until February 10.

The government declared the state of emergency in the border areas in the summer to deal with an influx of illegal border crossers from Belarus into the municipalities of Ludza, Kraslava and Augsdaugava, as well as the City of Daugavpils. Originally the migration emergency was supposed to remain in effect from August 11 till November 10, 2021. Today, the government decided to extend the state of emergency until February 10, 2022.

Interior Minister Marija Golubeva (Development/For) said earlier that during the emergency law enforcement authorities will continue to use the already existing methods to prevent illegal border crossings.

The Interior Ministry indicated that border guards still prevent dozens of persons from entering Latvia from Belarus illegally each day and the number of illegal border remains high.

The Interior Ministry also noted that Lithuanian and Polish border guards also continue to work hard to prevent foreigners illegal border crossings from Belarus.

Latvian authorities consider attempts by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's regime to push migrants across Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish borders are methods of hybrid warfare targeting these countries.