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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures 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.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures over the weekend because of aerial devices crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, 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 - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.