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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

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

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents 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, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, an NCMC spokesman said, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, during current period.