Vilnius: Lithuania issued an air alert in the capital, Vilnius, and several eastern border regions Wednesday after a suspected drone was detected near the border, according to public broadcaster LRT. The Lithuanian military said it activated NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission after detecting the object on radar and urged residents in affected areas to take shelter.

According to Anadolu Agency, authorities issued successive warnings as drone activity was reported near the Ignalina, Utena, Zarasai, and Svencionys districts before extending the alert to Vilnius and surrounding areas. The military stated that the situation resembled recent incidents in neighboring Latvia and Estonia and emphasized that public warnings were a standard preventive measure.

Residents received an emergency message from the armed forces urging them to seek shelter: 'Air alert! Immediately head to a shelter or a safe space.' As a precaution, Vilnius airport temporarily suspended operations at around 10 am local time (0700 GMT) after the alert was issued. Officials, including President Gitanas Nauseda and his staff, were escorted to safety in emergency shelters, as confirmed by presidential aide Frederikas Jansonas.

Local media reported a similar evacuation at the parliament, where lawmakers and staff were moved to underground shelters. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene was also taken to a shelter, confirmed by her spokesperson. Train services faced temporary disruptions in several parts of the country, including Vilnius, with passengers evacuated to safe areas at stations. National Crisis Management Centre head Vilmantas Vitkauskas later confirmed that 'one drone was sighted over Vilnius district.'