Border in Narva, Estonia, momentarily closed for migrant rehearsals
Getting the Scoop on Estonia's Border Exercises
Looks like there's some hustle and bustle at the Estonian-Russian border! According to Estonian national radio, ERR, the border crossing in Narva will shut down from April 30 to May 2 due to a crackdown on migrants led by local authorities, as reported by the Police and Border Guard Department. If you're planning to visit during that time, consider using alternative border checkpoints like Koidula and Luhamaa instead.
These tightened security measures come on the heels of an earlier warning about Kilp exercises taking place near Narva from April 28 to May 2, involving multiple law enforcement agencies in case of an emergency. Around 1,200 individuals are set to join forces for these exercises, including police, border guards, emergency services, paramilitary organizations, and defense forces, as reported by the local newspaper "Gorod".
Over at the Belarus-EU border, things are heating up with a fresh migration crisis brewing. Stay tuned on main Politics news outlet, rbc.group, for updates on this developing situation.
Meanwhile, in response to unrest, Estonia has been tightening border controls, particularly full customs checks at its border with Russia, to combat the transit of goods under EU sanctions. This may indirectly impact migrants and travelers crossing the border.
During the mentioned exercises, scenarios depict large groups of migrants gathering at the Estonian border, adding fuel to the migration crisis. In a departure from past practices, these exercises will be carried out under real-world conditions. According to rbc.group, it's crucial for the authorities to have a border checkpoint at all times. In preparation for these drills, small-scale events to protect key locations are being practiced, as Indrek Püvi, head of the exercises, explained to the Police and Border Guard Department.
While the exercises aren't directly linked to the ongoing migration crisis at the Belarus-EU border, they're part of broader security and control efforts by Estonia and other Baltic countries in response to regional tensions and potential threats. Consider the "Siil" (Hedgehog) international military drill as an example of such preparation. Keep an eye on the developments at these border zones and stay informed!
- Despite the ongoing Kilp exercises in Estonia near Narva from April 28 to May 2, warning the public about potential emergencies, rescuers and authorities have been advised to keep a border checkpoint operational at all times.
- The Estonian-Russian border, particularly the Narva crossing, has been the focus of increased security measures due to a crackdown on migrants from April 30 to May 2, as well as the upcoming border exercises involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
- In contrast to the brewing fresh migration crisis at the Belarus-EU border, Estonia has been tightening border controls, conducting full customs checks at its border with Russia, to combat the transit of goods under EU sanctions.
- The Estonian border exercises, though not directly linked to the ongoing situation at the Belarus-EU border, are part of wider security and control efforts by Estonia and other Baltic countries in response to regional tensions and potential threats, similar to the Siil international military drill.
