NATO jets shot down drone that entered Lithuanian airspace

NATO fighter jets intercepted and shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight, officials announced on Tuesday. This marks the first instance of a drone being brought down within the nation's borders. Lithuania, a NATO member, reported that the drone likely carried explosives and was airborne for approximately 30 minutes, frequently hovering near populated areas before being intercepted.

The incident occurred near the village of Pratkūnai, roughly 60 miles west of Vilnius, close to the Kaunas Reservoir. Lithuania's crisis management center suggested the drone may have originated from Belarus. NATO allies, including Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Poland, have been accusing Russia of involvement in various aggressive acts, such as drone incursions, sabotage, and attacks on defense facilities.

Denmark's air force helicopters were reportedly fired upon with flares while surveilling a Russian frigate in the Baltic Sea. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the strikes near NATO's territory as evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's desperation and attempts to create fear and terror.