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Authorities have decided to eliminate balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, an NCMC spokesman said, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

European Context

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.