In a move to enhance security, Lithuania has decided to close both border checkpoints with Belarus after over a dozen weather balloons entered its territory from the Belarusian side. This information was reported by Delfi, referencing the National Crisis Management Center of Lithuania (NCMC).
According to NCMC, at around 2 AM, at least 13 weather balloons were detected heading towards Vilnius Airport, with dozens more possibly involved. Currently, five of these balloons have been located. Additionally, one individual was detained with 7,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes.
In light of this incident, the checkpoints at Medininkai and Šalčininkai were closed for safety reasons. The decision was made overnight by the head of the State Border Guard Service (SBGS), Rustam Lyubaev.
“This action was taken to ensure Lithuania's safety and is related to the nighttime launch of weather balloons. At this time, traffic at the checkpoints is minimal. There have been no incidents related to the closure of the checkpoints, neither on their territory nor nearby,” said SBGS spokesperson Gediminas Mišutis.
Due to the presence of weather balloons, Vilnius Airport also temporarily halted operations, with movement stopping at 10:23 PM. According to NCMC representative Darius Buty, this affected 30 flights. The airport resumed operations in the morning.