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Authorities have decided to shoot down aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

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

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

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

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

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.