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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," she said.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.