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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons while potentially considering invocation of the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Travel Impacts

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

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.