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

According to Sinkevicius, the downed drone has not yet been found. Once the aircraft is located, experts will be able to determine its type and origin and may even be able to identify its route and intended target by examining its technical components.

“I think it will be found soon, and then it will become clear what kind of aircraft it is and who it belongs to. Experts will most likely even be able to trace its target through its microchips,” he said.

Asked about the possibility of a false-flag operation, Sinkevicius said such a scenario could not be ruled out, although there is currently no evidence to support it.

In August, Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said Lithuanian intelligence had information indicating that Russia could be preparing provocations in the Baltic region. However, he said the Kremlin had not yet made a final decision or set a specific timetable.

According to Lithuanian officials, Russia could be considering attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltic states. The use of Ukrainian drones in such operations has also not been ruled out as a way to create the impression that Ukraine was responsible.

On the morning of Aug. 14, NATO Baltic Air Policing fighter jets shot down a drone. It was downed over a wooded area, and no one was injured.

The Latvian military described the downed drone as foreign and suggested it may have entered Latvian airspace because of electronic jamming by Russian air defenses. Officials had previously said similar incidents could occur as long as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.