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Authorities have decided to eliminate helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

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

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

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

About the border closure, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"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.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.