Lithuania and Belarus on Monday traded accusations over their border after the release of balloons during a demonstration in Lithuania in solidarity with Belarusian protesters.

Lithuania said a Belarusian military helicopter crossed the EU and NATO state's border minutes before thousands of people linked hands in a human chain stretching from the capital Vilnius to the border with Belarus on Sunday.

"The Belarusian ambassador was summoned to the foreign ministry and a protest note was handed over the state border violation," the ministry said in a statement.

The Belarusian defence ministry said it had countered an "attempted violation" of its airspace by "a probe made up of eight balloons with anti-government symbols".

"Thanks to decisive action taken by the crews of Mi-24 helicopters from the air defence forces, the balloons' flight was stopped without recourse to weapons," the ministry statement said.

Belarus has been shaken by mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

The strongman leader has accused Western countries -- particularly Belarus's EU and NATO member neighbours -- of interference and has ordered the military to step up border security.

The Belarusian opposition has said this is an attempt by Lukashenko to divert attention away from a violent crackdown on protests.

Related Links
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Philippines minister accuses China of fabricating sea claims
Manila (AFP) Aug 24, 2020
China's "nine-dash line" used to claim most of the South China Sea is a fabrication, the Philippine defence minister said, as he accused Beijing of illegally occupying Filipino maritime territory. The remarks late Sunday come amid a fresh row between Manila and Beijing over the disputed Scarborough shoal, which has long been a flashpoint between the two countries. The Philippine foreign ministry last week lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was the "illegal confiscation" by China's c ... read more