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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," she said.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, per transportation authority data.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.