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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, during current period.