🔗 Share this article

Lithuania will begin to shoot down balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.