Belarus: Advisory on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Intrusions (September 2)

Since July 13, 2024, there have been multiple reports, including from the Ukrainian military, of Russian UAVs intruding from Ukrainian territory into Belarusian territory.
According to reports, the characteristics and measures for UAVs suspected of intruding into Belarus are as follows:
- The UAV known as “Shahed” has a triangular appearance, with a total length of 3.5 meters and a wingspan of 2.5 meters. Its flight noise is similar to that of a motorized bicycle or chainsaw.
- If you spot a “Shahed,” remain calm and evacuate to a location such as a bomb shelter, a basement of a well-constructed building, or an underground passage or subway station. If you are inside a building and cannot evacuate in time, move to the farthest place from the noise, such as a corridor or bathroom, where you are separated from the UAV by at least two walls. If you are outside and cannot evacuate in time, find a depression in the ground to hide in or lie flat on the ground.
- If a UAV falls near you, do not touch or approach it.
Currently, there has been no noticeable deterioration in general security due to the prolonged Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, cross-border attacks by Ukraine on Russia’s Kursk region have continued since early August. Therefore, Japanese nationals residing in the area should continue to evacuate from regions near the Ukrainian border (Danger Information Level 4: Evacuate. Avoid travel.) and make efforts to obtain the latest information through reports. Additionally, please ensure you can stay in contact with acquaintances as much as possible.