The Latvian State Security Service (SSS), in its latest 2025 review, warned about the growing threat of using drones for terrorist attacks and sabotage in Europe, as reported by BB.lv.
According to the agency, 16 terrorist attacks were recorded across the continent last year, most carried out by radical Islamists using simple methods such as knives or vehicle ramming. However, intelligence services are already observing a dangerous trend: in Belgium, authorities foiled a planned drone attack. Experiences from conflicts in other parts of the world show that explosives-laden drones are becoming an increasingly accessible tool for terrorists.
The Latvian agency paid particular attention to risks from Russia. The SSS emphasizes that the aggressor country’s intelligence services remain highly interested in Latvia’s critical infrastructure and will seek opportunities for sabotage. Such attacks could aim not only to cause material damage but also to intimidate the public and reduce support for Ukraine. The SSS predicts that Russian intelligence activity will remain aggressive in 2026, including reconnaissance operations and harmful actions targeting symbolic objects.
Overall, the terrorist threat in Europe remains consistently high: last year, Western intelligence services prevented 22 attacks at various stages of planning. In 2026, developments in the Middle East will continue to influence the situation, making Jewish communities and Israeli diplomatic sites potential targets. Mass gatherings and law enforcement personnel also remain at risk. The SSS notes a growing diversity of threats linked to the activation of radical groups worldwide, directly affecting the security of European countries, including Latvia.
Despite these concerning European-wide trends, the level of terrorist threat in Latvia itself is assessed as low this year. The main risks are individual radicalization through online platforms and attempts by persons involved in terrorist activities to enter the country. As an example of successful counterintelligence, the SSS cited the recent detention and deportation of an asylum seeker with contacts to Islamist groups. The SSS continues enhanced monitoring of potentially dangerous sites and radicalized groups to promptly prevent any attempts to destabilize the situation.
