Lithuania Continues Search for Suspected Drones in Northern Regions

Lithuania is intensifying its search for suspected drones that entered its airspace, with operations ongoing in the Panevėžys and Utena regions.

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We inform you that the search for the object continues in Panevėžys and Utena regions with the capabilities of the Military Police, Ground Forces, and the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union. Resident surveys are being conducted, and drones and light aircraft are also being used to scout various locations.

Personnel from the Military Police, Ground Forces, and the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union are actively engaged in the search efforts. They are employing various methods, including the use of drones and light aircraft for aerial reconnaissance, alongside interviews with local residents.

The renewed focus comes after two objects, believed to be drones, were detected entering the country's territory in the Utena region on Thursday. This led to an "red" danger alert being issued to residents via mobile messages, urging them to seek shelter and await further instructions. Sirens were also activated in the Utena region, and train traffic experienced disruptions.

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The search for the object in the Varėna district has been terminated; having not found the object we are looking for, we see no point in continuing the search.

Previous search efforts in the Varėna district for a drone that entered the country on Wednesday were called off after no object was found. Meanwhile, the search for the second drone detected on Thursday in the Utena region continues. The Lithuanian military confirmed that radar systems had detected objects with characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles near the border on Wednesday, prompting NATO air police fighters to be scrambled and temporary airspace closures around Vilnius Airport.

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Residents are urged to immediately seek shelter, take care of loved ones, and await further recommendations.