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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate balloons used to smuggle illicit goods from Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, during current period.