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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons originating from neighboring territory, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, during current period.