🔗 Share this article

Authorities have decided to shoot down balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, an NCMC spokesman said, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.