After four US soldiers disappeared during drills in Lithuania, search operations have intensified, with both local and NATO forces mobilized. The soldiers, whose tracked vehicle was found submerged, were training near Pabrade.
Search Intensifies for Four Missing US Soldiers in Lithuania
Search Intensifies for Four Missing US Soldiers in Lithuania
Lithuanian military officials escalate efforts to locate missing American troops involved in training exercises near the Belarus border.
The Lithuanian army is currently conducting an extensive search operation for four US soldiers who have been missing for two days following military drills in the Baltic country. Reports indicate that the soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were last seen near the border with Belarus on Tuesday afternoon. The initial search revealed their tracked vehicle submerged in water, raising concerns regarding their safety.
Despite rumors circulating about the soldiers' potential fatalities, the Lithuanian army emphasized that there is currently no evidence confirming such claims. NATO chief Mark Rutte mentioned he was informed about possible casualties but lacked concrete details.
In response to the situation, helicopters, military personnel, and state border guards have been deployed to support the search efforts. Lithuanian authorities received the alert regarding the soldiers' absence on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Lithuanian military stated that a "possible scene" has now been identified, with search teams working tirelessly to locate the troops.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene remarked on social media platform X about the readiness of emergency medical teams standing by to assist. The search operation is being complemented by several hundred troops from both Lithuania and the United States, who recently marked the participation of over 1,000 American troops stationed in the region on a rotational basis.
Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, commanding general of the V Corps, expressed gratitude towards the Lithuanian armed forces and first responders for their quick deployment in the search operation, underscoring the collaborative efforts at play during this critical time. Official inquiries are ongoing as authorities continue to seek opportunities to locate the missing soldiers.
