Updated Oct 13, 2026 13:01
Concrete anti-tank obstacles known as “dragon’s teeth” near the Latvia-Belarus border in Piedruja, Latvia, on August 17, 2026. (Source: Getty Images)
An armed group calling itself “Black Rus” has claimed responsibility for a cross-border operation in Latvia involving masked individuals, damaged surveillance equipment, and an attempt to push 20 undocumented migrants across the border from Belarus.
A senior NATO strategic communications official said the incident showed signs of possible involvement by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
According to Latvia’s public broadcaster LSM on October 12, the group published a video statement on Telegram claiming responsibility for the incident, which took place overnight on October 5–6 near the Latvian-Belarusian border.
An armed group calling itself “Black Rus” has claimed responsibility for a cross-border operation in Latvia involving masked individuals, damaged surveillance equipment, and an attempt to push 20 undocumented migrants across the border from Belarus.
A senior NATO strategic communications official said the incident showed signs of possible involvement by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
According to Latvia’s public broadcaster LSM on October 12, the group published a video statement on Telegram claiming responsibility for the incident, which took place overnight on October 5–6 near the Latvian-Belarusian border.
In the video, a masked man using a distorted voice and identifying himself as Neman, the group’s spokesperson, claimed that three members had participated in the operation. He also threatened further acts of sabotage against countries bordering Belarus.
Jānis Sārts, director of NATO’s Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, suggested that the group was unlikely to be operating independently. He said the involvement of armed individuals in moving migrants toward Latvia’s border bore characteristics of an operation potentially coordinated by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
During the initial incident, armed individuals accompanying migrants from Belarus reportedly threatened Latvian military personnel while attempting to force their way across the border.
Several hours later, masked individuals entered Latvian territory again near the village of Matuliški, stealing surveillance cameras and damaging border monitoring equipment.
Jānis Sārts, director of NATO’s Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, suggested that the group was unlikely to be operating independently. He said the involvement of armed individuals in moving migrants toward Latvia’s border bore characteristics of an operation potentially coordinated by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
During the initial incident, armed individuals accompanying migrants from Belarus reportedly threatened Latvian military personnel while attempting to force their way across the border.
Several hours later, masked individuals entered Latvian territory again near the village of Matuliški, stealing surveillance cameras and damaging border monitoring equipment.
Latvia’s State Security Service opened criminal proceedings on October 9 concerning the alleged establishment of a criminal organization intended to commit particularly serious crimes against peace, as well as against Latvia and Ukraine.
The agency declined to provide further details, citing the interests of the ongoing investigation. No official determination linking the group directly to Russian or Belarusian intelligence services has been publicly established.
Earlier, in July 2026, Latvia tightened security around critical energy infrastructure, including a major hydroelectric dam and its largest underground gas storage facility, following intelligence warnings of potential Russian sabotage. Latvian officials also called for additional NATO air defenses and a stronger allied military presence amid growing concerns over hybrid threats.
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