The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a plan for the installation of 'anti-mobility' measures along the eastern border to deter any military aggression from Russia or Belarus, eng.lsm.lv, the website of national Latvian broadcaster LSM, reported on March 6. 

The Eastern border military strengthening and anti-mobility plan is part of the creation of the Baltic Defence Line involving all three Baltic states, and will include the creation of support points for the National Armed Forces units along the entire Russian-Belarusian border, including fortified defensive positions for soldiers, various obstacles and anti-tank ditches, plus ammunition depots. 

From March of this year, the defence industry will continue practical work on strengthening the eastern border, investing €303mn in border strengthening over the next five years. Work will begin with digging up dozens of existing roads at the border to prevent their potential use during an incursion, plus the creation of anti-tank ditches. Drainage ditches on the border will also be transformed into anti-tank ditches. 

Different types of obstacles will also be placed, including concrete blocks, so-called "dragon's teeth" and anti-tank minefields, according to the prevailing terrain, which includes areas of swamp and thick forest.

According to the plan, preparations will also be made for the cutting of roads, railways and bridges in a hurry if necessary to impede an enemy advance.

Defence Minister Andris Spruds praised the adoption of the plan and said border strengthening works were starting immediately at several border crossing points to Russia and Belarus. He shared a video of large concrete blocks being moved into place.

In January of this year, the defence ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed an agreement on the establishment of the Baltic Defence Line to strengthen the eastern border of the Baltic states and Nato. The Baltic defence line will be built in a coordinated manner, but each country will do it with its own budget funds, eng.lsm.lv said.