NATO fighter jets shot down a drone after it entered Lithuanian airspace shortly after midnight Tuesday, triggering air-danger alerts around the capital Vilnius and surrounding districts, Lithuanian officials said.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed the destruction of the drone, thanking NATO personnel for their rapid response. He said the incident demonstrated the importance of maintaining strong air defenses as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.

The drone was destroyed near Pratkunai in southern Lithuania, close to Kaunas. Lithuanian officials said it likely entered the country from neighboring Belarus, although its exact origin had not yet been determined.

Residents in Vilnius and nearby areas received emergency alerts during the incident and were advised to seek shelter or remain in safe locations. Lithuanian authorities later lifted the alert after the drone was neutralized, with military and police personnel securing the area where the drone was brought down.

The incident comes amid increased concern across NATO’s eastern flank over drones crossing into the airspace of alliance members. NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission maintains fighter aircraft over Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, with allied jets responding to several drone-related incidents in the region this year.