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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

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

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

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - she added.

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, per transportation authority data.

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 neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Other European airports - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.