Latvia drone incident may have been a false-flag operation – Lithuanian PM

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius indicated on August 14 that the drone incident over Latvia may have been a false-flag operation, an idea that cannot be entirely dismissed. The downed drone has yet to be discovered, but once located, experts will be able to identify its type, origin, and potential target by analyzing its technical components, potentially even tracing its intended target through its microchips, he stated in an interview with LNK Žinios.

Sinkevičius acknowledged the possibility of a false-flag operation, although there is no concrete evidence to support this theory at present. In August, Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas had also expressed concerns, stating that Lithuania's intelligence suggested Russia might be preparing provocations in the Baltic region, though Russia had not yet decided on a specific course of action or timeline.

These concerns were based on the possibility that Russia might target critical infrastructure in the Baltic states. Officials have also not ruled out the use of Ukrainian drones in such operations to create the appearance of Ukrainian responsibility. On the morning of August 14, NATO Baltic Air Policing fighter jets successfully shot down a drone, which was found in a wooded area and caused no injuries.

The Latvian military suggested that the downed drone may have entered Latvian airspace due to electronic jamming by Russian air defenses. Officials had previously warned that incidents like this could occur as long as Russia's war against Ukraine continues.