Lithuania has declared an “emergency situation” in response to an influx of meteorological balloons launched from Belarus, which are suspected to be used by Belarusian security services and previously smuggled cigarettes.

The measure allows the military to assist police and border guards, while prosecutors and secret services investigate the Belarusian state’s involvement.

The balloons have forced repeated airport closures, affecting over 350 flights and 51,000 passengers since October.

Lithuania views the flights as part of a broader “hybrid attack” linked to Russia and Belarus amid tensions in Eastern Europe, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed the declaration, saying Lithuania is exaggerating the situation and claiming he does not seek conflict.