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Authorities have decided to shoot down helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of 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 even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, 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, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.