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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, an NCMC spokesman said, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.