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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, 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 stop such attacks," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, over past months.