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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"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," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, per transportation authority data.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, 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

Additional aviation facilities - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, over past months.