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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," she said.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, an NCMC spokesman said, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.