Latest news with #DefenceIntelligenceandSecurityService
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Lost tourists' in the forest might be Russian spies, Latvia warns
Latvia's intelligence agency warned on Wednesday that individuals who appear to be lost tourists, may in fact actually be Russian saboteurs or spies. In its annual report, Latvia's Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) determined that Russian intelligence and security services posed the "main threat" to its national security. MIDD shared advice on how to identify possible reconnaissance and sabotage operatives, listing a series of telltale signs — which include a slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, as well as a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. The security service added that individuals may also carry specialised medical kits, as well as maps or radios — which are more suited to a clandestine operation than a camping trip. It also warned that suspects may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites and pose as humanitarian workers, as well as stay in remote areas, without showing any interest in nature. According to MIDD, Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate 'socially significant individuals', adding that they may focus their activities on 'studying the position of the target country's society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.' The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. 'The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,' the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context. It also warns that if a sabotage group is spotted, leave the James Bond heroics to the professionals. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," it said. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' According to the report, malign activities organised by Russia's intelligence and security services in 2024 targeted some of Latvia's symbolic commemoration sites, namely a memorial stone for Latvian legionnaires in the Džūkste parish which was splattered with red paint. In light of similar incidents which also occurred in other Baltic states last year, Latvian security services promptly investigated the incident. They determined in turn that Russian security services were behind the desecration, a provocation which intended to attract media attention, as well as increase fear and insecurity among Latvians. The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster.
Euronews
15-05-2025
- Euronews
'Lost tourists' in the forest might be Russian spies, Latvia warns
Latvia's intelligence agency warned on Wednesday that individuals who appear to be lost tourists, may in fact actually be Russian saboteurs or spies. In its annual report, Latvia's Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) determined that Russian intelligence and security services posed the "main threat" to its national security. MIDD shared advice on how to identify possible reconnaissance and sabotage operatives, listing a series of telltale signs — which include a slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, as well as a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. The security service added that individuals may also carry specialised medical kits, as well as maps or radios — which are more suited to a clandestine operation than a camping trip. It also warned that suspects may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites and pose as humanitarian workers, as well as stay in remote areas, without showing any interest in nature. According to MIDD, Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate 'socially significant individuals', adding that they may focus their activities on 'studying the position of the target country's society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.' The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. 'The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,' the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context. It also warns that if a sabotage group is spotted, leave the James Bond heroics to the professionals. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," it said. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' According to the report, malign activities organised by Russia's intelligence and security services in 2024 targeted some of Latvia's symbolic commemoration sites, namely a memorial stone for Latvian legionnaires in the Džūkste parish which was splattered with red paint. In light of similar incidents which also occurred in other Baltic states last year, Latvian security services promptly investigated the incident. They determined in turn that Russian security services were behind the desecration, a provocation which intended to attract media attention, as well as increase fear and insecurity among Latvians. The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster.
Toronto Sun
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
That 'tourist' in forest might be Russian spy, Latvia warns
Published May 15, 2025 • 2 minute read A Polish soldier at Poland's border with Russia, in Dabrowka, Poland, on Saturday Nov. 30, 2024. Photo by Czarek Sokolowski / AP WARSAW, Poland — They might look like lost tourists — unkempt and overloaded with gear — or hikers with military haircuts, survival gear and no clue how to behave in the woods. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But Latvia's intelligence agency said Wednesday that they might actually be Russian saboteurs and spies. In its annual report, Latvia's Defence Intelligence and Security Service, known by Latvian acronym MIDD, offered advice on how to identify possible reconnaissance and sabotage operatives. It's an increasingly relevant concern given regional tensions and a string of arson and other acts of sabotage, which Western governments blame on Russia — allegations that Moscow has repeatedly denied. The list of telltale signs is striking: slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, and a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. According to the security service, such groups may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites, pose as humanitarian workers or stay in remote areas without showing any interest in nature. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Some may carry specialized medical kits, maps or radios _ items better suited for clandestine operations than camping trips. The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster. Nearby Poland is now preparing its guidelines, while Norway recently published a book with advice on how to survive for one week. 'We live in an increasingly turbulent world,' it says. 'Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war _ can impact us.' MIDD, one of Latvia's three security services, alongside the State Security Service and the Constitution Protection Bureau, warned that Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate 'socially significant individuals.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Their activities might also be focused on 'studying the position of the target country's society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.' The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. 'The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,' the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context. It also warns that if a sabotage group is spotted, leave the James Bond heroics to the professionals. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself,' it said. 'Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' Toronto Maple Leafs Relationships World Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls
15-05-2025
- Politics
Latvia warns that 'lost tourists' in the forest might be Russian spies
WARSAW, Poland -- They might look like lost tourists — unkempt and overloaded with gear — or hikers with military haircuts, survival gear and no clue how to behave in the woods. But Latvia's intelligence agency said Wednesday that they might actually be Russian saboteurs and spies. In its annual report, Latvia's Defence Intelligence and Security Service, known by Latvian acronym MIDD, offered advice on how to identify possible reconnaissance and sabotage operatives. It's an increasingly relevant concern given regional tensions and a string of arson and other acts of sabotage, which Western governments blame on Russia — allegations that Moscow has repeatedly denied. The list of telltale signs is striking: slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, and a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. According to the security service, such groups may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites, pose as humanitarian workers or stay in remote areas without showing any interest in nature. Some may carry specialized medical kits, maps or radios — items better suited for clandestine operations than camping trips. The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster. Nearby Poland is now preparing its guidelines, while Norway recently published a book with advice on how to survive for one week. 'We live in an increasingly turbulent world,' it says. 'Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war — can impact us.' MIDD, one of Latvia's three security services, alongside the State Security Service and the Constitution Protection Bureau, warned that Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate 'socially significant individuals.' Their activities might also be focused on 'studying the position of the target country's society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.' The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. 'The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,' the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context. It also warns that if a sabotage group is spotted, leave the James Bond heroics to the professionals. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," it said. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Latvia warns that 'lost tourists' in the forest might be Russian spies
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — They might look like lost tourists — unkempt and overloaded with gear — or hikers with military haircuts, survival gear and no clue how to behave in the woods. But Latvia's intelligence agency said Wednesday that they might actually be Russian saboteurs and spies. In its annual report, Latvia's Defence Intelligence and Security Service, known by Latvian acronym MIDD, offered advice on how to identify possible reconnaissance and sabotage operatives. It's an increasingly relevant concern given regional tensions and a string of arson and other acts of sabotage, which Western governments blame on Russia — allegations that Moscow has repeatedly denied. The list of telltale signs is striking: slovenly appearance, mismatched military or sportswear, and a knack for asking locals suspicious questions. According to the security service, such groups may linger near military or critical infrastructure sites, pose as humanitarian workers or stay in remote areas without showing any interest in nature. Some may carry specialized medical kits, maps or radios — items better suited for clandestine operations than camping trips. The Latvian guidance comes as countries across the region, including new NATO members Sweden and Finland, have been issuing booklets with advice on how to survive war or a natural disaster. Nearby Poland is now preparing its guidelines, while Norway recently published a book with advice on how to survive for one week. 'We live in an increasingly turbulent world,' it says. 'Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war — can impact us.' MIDD, one of Latvia's three security services, alongside the State Security Service and the Constitution Protection Bureau, warned that Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate 'socially significant individuals.' Their activities might also be focused on 'studying the position of the target country's society and inciting unrest directed against the existing government.' The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. 'The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt,' the report says. Not all spies will fit the mold, and suspicions must be judged in context. It also warns that if a sabotage group is spotted, leave the James Bond heroics to the professionals. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," it said. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' ___ Emma Burrows contributed to this report from Tallinn, Estonia.
