🔗 Share this article

Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

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

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message 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," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, 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: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.