Lithuania's Bold Stance Against Smuggler Balloons

Lithuania's Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced plans to shoot down smuggler balloons crossing from Belarus. These balloons are linked to contraband activities and disrupt air traffic. Lithuania targets Belarus for enabling the issue and may invoke NATO security consultations.

Lithuania is taking an assertive approach to a growing issue involving smuggler balloons crossing its border from Belarus, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced Monday. The nation plans to shoot down these balloons, which are smuggling contraband cigarettes and disrupting air traffic.

Recently, balloons have repeatedly entered Lithuania's airspace, forcing temporary closures at Vilnius Airport and Belarus border crossings. Official sources suggest these balloons are sent by smugglers, but the Lithuanian government also holds Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko accountable for not preventing the practice.

Describing the continuous interruptions as "hybrid attacks," Ruginiene emphasized that border crossings will be restricted mainly to diplomats and European Union citizens. Additionally, the Lithuanian government is considering invoking NATO article 4 for security consultations in response to the ongoing tension.

(With inputs from agencies.)