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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.