Three of Four US Soldiers Missing in Lithuania Found Dead

The U.S. Army has confirmed that three of the four U.S. soldiers who went missing in Lithuania last week have been found dead. The soldiers were reported missing during a tactical training exercise in Pabradė, a city located near Lithuania’s border with Belarus. The soldiers and their vehicle were initially lost, sparking a widespread search operation involving both local and foreign rescue teams. The bodies of the three soldiers were discovered after an extensive six-day search, which involved the recovery of their M88 Hercules armored vehicle from a peat bog. The vehicle was recovered after significant efforts from U.S., Polish, and Lithuanian forces. Despite the tragic discovery, the search for the fourth soldier remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to search the area using specialized radar technology.

Search Efforts and Recovery Operations

The rescue operation, which began after the soldiers were reported missing on March 25, was a massive collaborative effort. U.S. Army Europe and Africa reported that search-and-rescue teams, along with military personnel from Lithuania and Poland, worked tirelessly to recover the vehicle. The operation included the use of military helicopters, drones, and a wide array of heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and pumps. The teams battled thick mud, silt, and waterlogged terrain as they worked to extract the vehicle from the bog. Divers from the U.S. Navy played a key role in the recovery process, maneuvering through challenging conditions with zero visibility to locate the vehicle. Using steel cables, the divers helped secure the vehicle, and after two hours of intense efforts, it was successfully pulled from the bog. Once the vehicle was recovered, the bodies of the three soldiers were found inside.

Ongoing Investigation and Search for Fourth Soldier

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, referring to them as “extraordinary ‘dogface soldiers.'” Norrie assured that the search would continue until the fourth soldier was also found, highlighting the resilience of those involved in the recovery efforts. The identities of the deceased soldiers have not been released, pending notification of their next of kin. The U.S. Army, in partnership with Lithuanian authorities, is investigating the circumstances that led to the incident. Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron, thanked the search teams for their “heroic efforts” in recovering the vehicle and bodies.

Lithuania’s Role in NATO Operations

Lithuania, a member of NATO and the European Union, plays a crucial role in hosting U.S. troops stationed in the region. More than 1,000 U.S. soldiers are stationed in Lithuania on a rotational basis as part of NATO’s defense strategy in Eastern Europe, particularly in response to growing concerns over regional security due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and other neighboring areas. As the investigation continues, U.S. and Lithuanian authorities are working together to determine the exact cause of the tragic event. The situation has drawn attention to the risks involved in military training exercises, even in controlled environments. The U.S. Army has vowed to provide full support to the families affected by this loss.