Lithuania declares nationwide state of emergency over weather balloons

(MENAFN) According to reports, Lithuania has declared a nationwide state of emergency following repeated air traffic disruptions caused by weather balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes into the country. Vilnius alleges the balloons were launched from Belarus as part of a broader “hybrid attack,” claims Minsk denies.

The Lithuanian government has requested indefinite emergency powers for the military, seeking parliamentary approval to allow soldiers to restrict access to certain areas, stop and search vehicles, check documents and personal belongings, and detain individuals suspected of crimes or resisting authorities. Troops would also be authorized to use force if necessary while performing these tasks.

Officials have stated that the uncontrollable meteorological balloons, equipped with GPS trackers, have repeatedly forced airport shutdowns and pose risks to both civil aviation and national security. Prime Minister Inga Rugyniene emphasized that the emergency measures would remain in effect as long as required.

Belarus has rejected the accusations, calling them a provocation and noting instances in which GPS devices attached to the balloons contained SIM cards from Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, suggesting they originated within the Baltic states. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia, described Lithuania’s claims as “exaggerated and politicized” and said pilots consulted by Minsk observed no danger to civil aviation. He also insisted that Belarus does not seek confrontation with its neighbors.

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