Search intensifies for four missing US soldiers in Lithuania

File Source: YouTube

Four US soldiers have been missing for two days in Lithuania after their tracked vehicle disappeared during military drills near the border with Belarus. The Lithuanian army launched an intensive search operation, deploying helicopters, state border guards, and NATO forces, while conflicting reports emerged about their fate.

The US Army confirmed the vehicle was found submerged in water, but Lithuanian officials stated there was no evidence “confirming the death of the troops.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had earlier indicated he had been informed of their deaths but said he lacked further details. Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene assured the public that “people (are) working round the clock” and that emergency medical teams were on standby.

The soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, had been conducting “scheduled tactical training” near Pabrade when they went missing on Tuesday afternoon. Lithuanian authorities received a report of their disappearance the same day and later identified “a possible scene” related to the incident.

Lithuania, a NATO and EU member, hosts more than 1,000 American troops on a rotational basis. The incident has heightened concerns about military operations near the Belarusian border, a region of strategic significance.

“I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian armed forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations,” said Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, the V Corps commanding general, as efforts to locate the missing soldiers continued.