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Authorities have decided to shoot down aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended frontier checkpoints during these events.

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

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

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

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 stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions 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 and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.