The Lithuanian government to shoot down smuggling balloons, Prime Minister announces.

Aerial device employed for illegal transport

Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, especially related to its security - she added.

Border surveillance along the national border

Airport Disruptions

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.

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

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.