Belarusian Balloons Breach Polish Airspace for Third Night, Raising Hybrid War Concerns

• Cigarette-smuggling balloons from Belarus have repeatedly crossed into Polish airspace, marking the third consecutive night of incidents.
• Polish authorities view these as "hybrid incidents" and part of a broader threat from Russia's ally, Belarus, aimed at testing air defenses.
• The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces reported increased balloon activity, suggesting a potential political decision by Minsk or smugglers adapting to stronger border defenses.
• While the military stated no immediate threat to Polish airspace security, temporary civil aviation restrictions were imposed over the Podlaskie region.
• Poland and Baltic countries accuse Belarus and Russia of a hybrid war involving migration crises, sabotage, espionage, and now, balloon-based smuggling.

Why It Matters: Belarusian balloons repeatedly entering Polish airspace are seen as a hybrid attack, escalating regional tensions.