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Lithuania will begin to eliminate aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, over past months.