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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times 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, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, during current period.