Lithuania declares state of emergency over hot air balloon from border

(CLO) On December 9, the Lithuanian government declared a state of emergency after balloons and hot air balloons repeatedly disrupted aviation operations.

Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said the decision was taken not only because of the risk to civil aviation, but also in the interests of national security. Belarus denied responsibility and accused Lithuania of sending drones that dropped “extremist material,” which Lithuania denied.

^{A Lithuanian border guard at the Lithuania-Belarus border. Photo: Lithuanian State Border Guard Service}

The Lithuanian government has asked parliament to authorize the military to coordinate with the police, border guards and security forces during the state of emergency and to act independently. If approved, the military would have the power to restrict access to areas, stop and search vehicles, check documents and belongings of people, and detain dissidents or suspected criminals.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said the military would also be allowed to use force in the execution of its duties. Emergency measures will remain in place until the government decides to lift them.

Earlier, on December 1, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the situation on the Lithuania-Belarus border was deteriorating and called the series of intruding balloons an act that was "completely unacceptable".

Lithuania imposed a state of emergency on the Belarus border in 2021 over accusations that Belarus was encouraging migrants to cross the border illegally, which Belarus also denied.

Source: https://congluan.vn/litva-ban-bo-tinh-trang-khan-cap-vi-khinh-khi-cau-tu-bien-gioi-10321927.html