Lithuania plans to eliminate contraband-carrying balloons, government leader states.

Authorities have decided to eliminate balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, in recent weeks.