High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! In January 1991, Latvia, which had declared independence from the Soviet Union in the previous year, was attacked by pro-Soviet forces, notably the OMON of Riga. The events that took place between 13 and 27 January 1991, are known as "The Barricades" - because of barricades built for the defense of strategic objectives (mainly in the capital city of Riga and nearby Ulbroka, as well as Kuld ga and Liep ja). At least 7 people were killed, and a total of 15,611 people have registered themselves as participants of the Barricades.