Lukashenko denies Minsk's involvement in Latvian border incident

Alexander Lukashenko said on October 13 that Belarus was not involved in a reported incursion into Latvia by masked individuals. Latvia had earlier reported damage to border equipment and an attempt to move migrants across the frontier.

At a meeting following an internal troops readiness inspection, Lukashenko said operations on a neighbouring state's territory require presidential approval. He said he had approved no such action. BelTA, RBC and Interfax carried his remarks.

Latvian Interior Minister Janis Dombrava had earlier reported an incident on October 6. According to his account, unidentified masked people crossed from Belarus, damaged a distribution box and stole cameras before returning across the border ahead of border guards' arrival.

The minister also reported an attempted crossing involving roughly 20 migrants. The sides differ over what happened and who was responsible. Lukashenko's denial does not establish that the incident was staged, while a report about unidentified individuals does not by itself prove that they belonged to Belarusian security forces.