Estonia braces for Russian provocation, installs "Dragon's Teeth"
In response to recent incidents on the Estonian-Russian border, the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) announced on Saturday that they have enhanced their surveillance efforts and placed additional restrictions on the border. Furthermore, they have installed "dragon's teeth" on the bridge to Narva at the border.
5:04 PM EST, November 18, 2023
According to Siim Lindmaa, an expert in the PPA's readiness and response office, "the number of observation flights has been increased in the area due to the recent borderline events. We are employing drones, as well as helicopters and planes. Additionally, we've limited access temporarily to the areas of increased air activity."
On Friday, to potentially counter a rush of migrants, concrete blocks were fitted on the border bridge that links Narva in Estonia with Russia. The previous day, Estonia's Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets pointed out that Russia had allowed illegal Somali migrants to approach the Estonian border point, referring to this act as an "element of a hybrid attack".
Finland closes border crossings
Veiko Kommusaar, the Deputy Director of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), confirmed on Thursday that Estonian authorities are closely watching the evolving situation on their eastern border and are prepared to shut down all crossings with Russia. He also mentioned the possibility that those gathering on the Finnish border may arrive at Estonian crossings.
Due to the surge of illegal immigration at its eastern borders, Finland decided to close the four most active border crossings with Russia on Saturday.
