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

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," she said.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.