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

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, but no other movement will be allowed.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," she said.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, especially related to its security - she added.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.