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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," she said.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.