"Lithuania is set to declare a state of emergency next week as the country was forced to close Vilnius Airport on Wednesday as there were balloons in their airspace. Balloons have crossed into Lithuania from Belarus and the airport has been closed 10 times since October due to similar incidents. Officials believe this is part of a wider hybrid warfare which is being conducted by Belarus on behalf the Kremlin."
"This past year Lithuania has intercepted more than 500 balloons from Belarus, they have been found carrying GPS trackers and illegal cigarettes. Lithuanian officials have said the future violations could see the balloons carrying explosives or spy cameras. Officials believe that these balloons are helping the Kremlin to find weak areas along NATO's eastern flank. Lithuania's Prime Minister said, "I am listening to their [experts] opinion, but we will announce it [state of emergency] next week." "If the situation worsens, we do not rule out the possibility of going further.""
Multiple balloons launched from Belarus have repeatedly crossed into Lithuanian airspace, forcing temporary closures of Vilnius Airport and prompting security alarm. Lithuanian authorities have intercepted over 500 balloons this year, finding GPS trackers and illegal cigarettes, and warn future balloons could carry explosives or spy cameras. Officials assess the launches as part of hybrid warfare allegedly conducted by Belarus on behalf of the Kremlin to probe weaknesses along NATO's eastern flank. The government will declare a state of emergency next week, and the prime minister warned that further escalation and additional measures are possible if the situation worsens.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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