Lithuania ends search for unidentified airborne object

Lithuanian authorities called off a search for an unidentified airborne object on Saturday after it was not found, LRT reported. The suspected threat was detected outside Lithuania and disappeared from tracking before reaching Vilnius, National Crisis Management Centre head Vilmantas Vitkauskas said.

Vitkauskas said the signal could have been caused by something other than a drone, such as an anomaly or a flock of birds. He said authorities had to prepare for the worst-case scenario while investigating.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces said its air force had searched the area where contact with the object was lost but found nothing suspicious. A helicopter returned to Kaunas to resume routine duty.

A Yellow air alert was issued for Vilnius County and Ukmergė for about 40 minutes. NATO air policing fighter jets were scrambled from Šiauliai, and Vilnius Airport’s controlled airspace was temporarily closed, affecting 12 flights.

Authorities also received reports from residents, including one from Molėtai District that mentioned a possible fire or explosion. None of the reports was confirmed. Vitkauskas urged people not to approach suspicious objects and to call 112.

The Yellow alert status means an attack is considered possible but is not underway. Residents are advised to identify shelter in case the status changes to Red.