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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

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, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation 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, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, over past months.