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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, 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, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times 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, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.