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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

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

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.