Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Lithuania will close its border with Belarus after balloons have continued to breach its airspace, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Monday.
She said Lithuania will shoot down any balloons that enter the country.
"We are sending a signal to Belarus that no hybrid attack will be tolerated, and we are taking the strictest measures to stop such attacks," Ruginienė said. "The armed forces will take all necessary measures, including kinetic measures to shoot down the balloons."
The balloons are believed to be a tool of smugglers, which bring contraband cigarettes into the country. The border will stay open for EU nationals leaving Belarus and for diplomats.
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