US EditionLithuania Declares Nationwide Emergency Over Belarus Balloon Smuggling Threat
Lithuania cites over 600 smuggling balloons from Belarus disrupting 300+ flights and affecting 47,000 passengers as a hybrid warfare tactic, prompting military deployment.
- On Dec 9, Lithuania declared a state of emergency over smuggled balloons from Belarus, citing national security and dangers to human life, property and the environment.
- Interior Ministry data shows about 600 smuggling balloons and 200 drones entered Lithuania this year, with 315 unauthorized balloon incursions since June, peaking at 71 in October, many carrying contraband cigarettes.
- The government approved measures granting additional powers to troops during the emergency and will submit the proposal to Seimas under fast-track procedures; if approved, Lithuanian Armed Forces could use special equipment and detain suspects for three months.
- Airport disruptions have affected 47,000 passengers and disrupted more than 300 flights at Vilnius International Airport and Kaunas airport, while roughly 1,000 Lithuanian-registered trucks remain stranded with a 120 euros daily parking charge.
- Vilnius has taken the issue to Brussels, where Kaja Kallas condemned Belarus and Ursula von der Leyen called the incursions a `hybrid attack` as Brussels prepares EU sanctions expansion.
158 Articles
158 Articles
kreiszeitung.de
merkur.deThe government of Lithuania has declared that the balloons from Belarus were a "danger to human life", whereas Lukashenko's accusations are hailing.
Smuggler balloons fly from Belarus to Lithuania and threaten civil aviation there. The Lithuanian government accuses Minsk of hybrid warfare.
The EU country regards intrusion into its airspace as part of Minsk’s hybrid attack strategy
What We’re Watching: Balloon emergency in Eastern Europe, & More
Balloon crisis in the Baltic skiesLook there, in the skies over Lithuania! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… a balloon from Belarus carrying contraband cigarettes? This story is more than just hot air, as hundreds of the deviant dirigibles have wafted across the border in recent weeks, forcing the closure of Lithuania’s main airport and flight cancellations affecting tens of thousands of passengers. Lithuania’s government has imposed a state of e…
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