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

The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.