Lithuania Declares State of Emergency Amid Balloon Smuggling Crisis

Lithuania has declared a state of emergency due to threats from smuggled balloons coming from Belarus. Accusations arise as Lithuania claims these balloons transport contraband cigarettes and disrupt air traffic, while Belarus denies involvement and blames Lithuania for provocations. Lithuania views these actions as a hybrid attack.

Lithuania announced a state of emergency on Tuesday in response to public safety threats posed by smuggled balloons from Belarus, according to government sources. The country accuses Belarus of using weather balloons to illegally transport cigarettes across their shared border, causing repeated disruptions at Vilnius airport.

Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic stated that the emergency declaration extends beyond aviation issues, touching upon national security concerns. He noted that military operations would be more flexible in coordination with or independent of police activities, although specifics were not detailed.

The duration of these emergency measures remains undisclosed. Belarus, denying involvement with the balloons, accused Lithuania of provocations like deploying a drone to drop 'extremist material.' Lithuania, conversely, labels these claims as false, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemning the balloon incursions as a 'hybrid attack' that is 'completely unacceptable.'

(With inputs from agencies.)