Army calls snap checks for combat readiness in east

The announcement was made via the National Armed Forces twitter feed and a press release from the Ministry of Defense which said:

"Today, August 16, the Land Army Infantry Brigade and 2nd National Guard units will take part in an unplanned combat readiness inspection during which the Land Force Infantry Brigade units will carry out a tactical deplyment to Latgale to check the unit's readiness to expand, their compatibility, and the ability to perform the tasks of national defense."

"It is planned that the combat readiness inspection tonight in Latgale will improved skills in patrolling populated areas and outside urban areas."

Consequently members of the local population should not be alarmed by the sight of military columns on the move and armed men on patrol, the release added.

The news comes just two days after the conclusion of the most recent exercises, named 'Big Sword' on the other side of the country involving both regular infantry and the militiamen of the National Guard alongside troops from the US and Lithuania.

In contrast to such planned exercises, the calling of snap inspections has until now been extremely rare. 

It was not long before social media confirmed that military vehicles were indeed on the move in heavy rain.