Latvia Clarifies Conditions Of Mining Border With Belarus

The Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvia gives the details.

Latvia will enhance security on the eastern border with anti-tank mines only in case of a military crisis. Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Leonīds Kalniņš said, according to DELFI.

He said that Latvia is only considering the possibility of mining the border.

Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš also explained that in any case, anti-tank mines do not pose a danger to civilians and animals.

“At least 200 kilograms of direct pressure on one square centimeter is needed to detonate an anti-tank landmine. This means that human pressure will detonate such a mine in no case. […] We must work out a plan to be fully prepared in case of a crisis when it is really necessary to carry out all measures to ensure the protection of the territory of Latvia. […] Summing up, there will be no minefields there in peacetime, since we have no hostilities,” concluded the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvia.

Recall that on September 5, Latvian Defence Minister Ināra Mūrniece said that the Latvian MoD was considering the possibility of placing anti-tank mines and various other additional barriers to strengthen the security of the country's border with Belarus and Russia.