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Lithuania will begin to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.