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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close 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 following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

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

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.