Lithuania’s Vilnius airport closed Thursday after a mysterious balloon or balloons flown from Belarus intruded the airspace, marking the sixth such incident this month.
Lithuania’s Vilnius Airport Temporarily Closed
Vilnius airport announced on Thursday that the airspace above it had been temporarily shut, with restrictions lifting at 1:05 a.m. Friday. Reuters reports this was the sixth incident this month.
Where Do the Balloons Come From?
Experts say the meteorological balloons are linked to illegal cigarette traffickers sending them from Belarus to Lithuania and Poland. TV3 sources claim up to ten balloons can be launched from one site, all landing uncontrolled, sometimes returning to Belarus if wind shifts.
Belarus President Cools Down Lithuania Decision
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has blamed the practice on the West and vowed to shoot down balloons after Lithuania closed crossings with Belarus. He described the situation as a “crazy fraud” and accuses the West of hybrid warfare.