The Lithuanian government to shoot down contraband-carrying balloons, Prime Minister announces.

The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

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

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.