🔗 Share this article

Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, with the government also closing 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 against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Other European airports - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.