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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," she said.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons while potentially considering invocation of the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, an NCMC spokesman said, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, during current period.