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Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

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

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.