Latvia's security agency has issued a cautionary statement to its citizens, suggesting they remain vigilant for possible espionage activity, particularly from Russians and their Belarusian allies. In the latest threat assessment, the Defense Intelligence and Security Service (DISS) emphasized that individuals appearing as outdoor enthusiasts—characterized by athletic build and rugged gear—could actually be spies or saboteurs.
The DISS report, highlighting geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia's actions in Ukraine, notes that while the precise level of threat posed by spies infiltrating Latvian borders is uncertain, the potential for infiltration speaks to the country's longstanding fears arising from its history as part of the former Soviet Union. Though Latvia is a NATO member, recent comments about commitments within the alliance have raised alarm among citizens.
Citizens are advised to be observant, looking for certain traits that could suggest deliberate deception. Among these red flags are individuals with poor hygiene, military-style haircuts, unfamiliarity with local terrain, and foreign currency or documents. Furthermore, specific behaviors such as probing locals for political opinions, displaying a peculiar interest in infrastructure, or engaging in stilted conversational Latvian also raise suspicion.
The service warns of possible impersonations by saboteurs, including disguises of humanitarian organization representatives. The guidelines serve to enhance the community's awareness of the potential for covert incursions, reflecting the underlying anxiety in a nation that remains acutely aware of its delicate position in a region fraught with geopolitical tension.
