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, per the AP. In its annual report, Latvia's Defense Intelligence and Security Service, known by the 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 arsons 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 warned that Russian saboteurs might also attempt to incite unrest or assassinate "socially significant individuals." The agency cautioned that appearances can deceive. "The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt," the report says. (More Russian spies stories.)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
