The Lithuanian army is currently conducting an intensive search for four US soldiers who have been missing for two days during military drills near Pabrade, a town close to the Belarusian border. Reports emerged on Tuesday afternoon when the soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and their tracked vehicle were unaccounted for during scheduled tactical training activities.
The situation escalated when the US Army confirmed that the vehicle had been located submerged in water, prompting immediate search efforts. Lithuanian authorities reported on Wednesday that while the vehicle has been identified, there is no evidence at this time to confirm the death of the soldiers.
NATO's chief, Mark Rutte, acknowledged having been informed of the soldiers' possible fatalities but indicated that further details were not available. The search operation has mobilized an array of resources, including local troops, helicopters, and state border guards, as they work diligently to locate the missing servicemen.
Lithuania, as a member of both NATO and the EU, hosts over 1,000 American troops who are stationed on a rotational basis. In a statement, Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, the commanding general of the V Corps, expressed gratitude towards the Lithuanian armed forces and first responders for their swift action in response to the crisis. Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene vowed that personnel would remain on standby around the clock to provide any necessary emergency medical support during the search efforts.
