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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.