Lithuania will deploy a team of nine border guards to Latvia in July to assist in securing the Latvian-Belarusian border against rising irregular migration. According to the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), the two-week mission will involve surveillance and security operations in high-risk areas as Latvia faces a fourfold increase in secondary migration flows this year.
The deployment, scheduled for July, includes personnel from Lithuania’s Pagegiai Border District and the Coast Guard Border District. Two dog handlers with service dogs will also join the mission. This operation marks a continuation of regional cooperation, as Lithuanian guards have assisted their Latvian counterparts with similar operations between 2023 and 2025.
Since the start of the migration crisis in 2021, Lithuanian border authorities have prevented more than 25,000 individuals from entering the country illegally.
Why is the border under pressure?
Latvia is currently experiencing significant pressure from irregular migration, according to VSAT. Data indicates that secondary migration flows through the country have increased more than fourfold this year. So far, approximately 6,600 migrants have been detained, pushed back to Belarus, or prevented from crossing the Latvian border.
The situation remains volatile in neighboring Lithuania as well. Authorities in Lithuania have recorded more than 1,600 attempts to cross the Belarusian border irregularly this year, an increase from the 1,002 attempts documented during the same period in 2023.
The recurring nature of these joint deployments suggests that border security in the Baltic region is increasingly reliant on cross-border intelligence and personnel sharing. By pooling resources—such as specialized dog handlers—Lithuania and Latvia are attempting to create a more resilient defensive perimeter against the ongoing migration crisis that began in 2021.
What is the outlook for regional security?
As the July deployment begins, the immediate focus remains on surveillance and the prevention of unauthorized crossings. Given the rising number of attempts recorded in both nations, it is possible that further collaborative operations will be organized if migration pressures persist throughout the summer months.
Analysts might expect that the continued presence of Lithuanian personnel in Latvia will serve as a deterrent in high-risk zones. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains tied to the broader, unpredictable flow of migrants arriving at the Belarusian border.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Lithuanian officers are being sent to Latvia?
A team of nine officers, including two dog handlers, will be deployed for a period of two weeks in July.
Why are Lithuanian guards assisting Latvia?
The deployment is in response to significant migration pressure on the Latvian-Belarusian border, where secondary migration flows have increased more than fourfold this year.
Is this the first time Lithuania has assisted Latvia with border security?
No. Lithuanian border guards have assisted Latvia with similar operations between 2023 and 2025.
Do you believe regional cooperation is the most effective way to manage these border security challenges?
