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Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," she said.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures over the weekend because of aerial devices crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

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.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, in recent weeks.