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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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 even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

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, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.