Lithuania’s government on Tuesday declared a nationwide emergency in response to the escalating threat posed by smuggling balloons regularly launched from Belarus into Lithuanian territory.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to kick off Thursday morning in New York City, bringing new character balloons, celebrity performances and heightened security to Manhattan’s streets. The annual tradition begins at 8:30 a.m. EST on the Upper West Side and concludes at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street.

Lithuania has closed its border with Belarus indefinitely after balloons from Belarus violated its airspace for the third straight night. Officials called the repeated incidents a “hybrid attack” amid growing regional tensions.

Up to 25 small hot-air balloons, some loaded with smuggled cigarettes, entered Lithuanian airspace late Saturday, prompting the closure of Vilnius Airport.

South Korea announced on Monday that it would take "decisive military action" if any casualties occur due to the influx of trash-laden balloons launched by North Korea.

North Korea on Sunday floated balloons carrying trash towards South Korea, South Korea's military said, declaring it would respond with "full-scale" loudspeaker broadcasts, News.Az reports citing Reuters.

More than 180 trash balloons were launched by North Korea toward its southern neighbor during the night from Wednesday to Thursday, Yonhap said.

North Korea has dropped at least 150 balloons carrying propaganda leaflets and rubbish in the South, prompting authorities to warn its residents to stay indoors, News.Az reports citing BBC.