Fear of drones drives Latvian residents to attack utility aircraft with stones

Residents in Latvia are increasingly attacking utility drones used to inspect power lines with stones, sticks, and water hoses due to rising anxiety over unidentified aircraft, according to a senior official at the national grid operator.

Diana Gauce, Head of Development at the Latvian electricity network company Sadales tīkls, revealed that public anxiety over low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has led to frequent, hostile confrontations. Many citizens, unable to distinguish commercial utility drones from security threats, react with fear and defensive aggression.

"Hose water has been sprayed at us, stones and sticks have been thrown, threats have been made—all of this has happened on the part of people," Gauce told the Latvian news portal otkrito.lv.

While Gauce noted that such incidents occur on a regular basis, she emphasized that the vast majority are resolved peacefully once technicians explain the technical nature of the flights to local residents.

In response to the growing friction, Sadales tīkls clarified its operational protocols, stressing that its inspection drones are strictly restricted to power line corridors and designated utility protection zones. The utility operator also reassured the public that drone pilots remain on-site and within direct line of sight of the aircraft at all times, adding that residents are fully permitted to approach operators and request to see their official credentials.

By Tamilla Hasanova