Four US Army soldiers have gone missing during a training exercise in Lithuania, with search operations currently underway. The incident took place near Pabrade, a town located in eastern Lithuania, close to the border with Belarus.
Details of the Incident
According to the US embassy in Vilnius and the US Army, the soldiers, all from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were operating an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle. Reports indicate that the vehicle has since been found submerged in water, although details surrounding the soldiers’ status remain unclear.
Official Statements
- The US Army confirmed that the soldiers were engaged in scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned that he had received information suggesting the soldiers had died, but specific details were yet to be verified.
- Meanwhile, Lithuania’s military is conducting an intensive rescue operation, stressing that no official confirmation regarding the soldiers’ deaths has been made.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Local military and police forces are collaborating with US military personnel in the search and recovery efforts. The operations are focused on locating the missing soldiers as quickly as possible.
As the situation develops, more updates will be anticipated from both the US military and Lithuanian authorities.