🔗 Share this article The Lithuanian government to shoot down illicit aerial devices, Prime Minister announces. Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed. This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time. International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols against airspace violations." National Security Actions Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to shoot down balloons. Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited. "This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared. Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus. Diplomatic Measures Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded. Airport Disruptions Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, 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, per national security agency reports. These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, an NCMC spokesman said, compared to higher numbers in prior period. European Context Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, in recent weeks. Connected National Defense Matters Frontier Protection Airspace Violations Transnational Illegal Trade Air Transport Protection