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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Government Response

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

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.