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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, 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.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.