The Lithuanian government to shoot down illicit aerial devices, Prime Minister announces.

Lithuania will begin to shoot down aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

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

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.