Lithuania to shoot down smuggling balloons, Prime Minister announces.

The Baltic nation plans to eliminate helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, 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, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.