Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that three of the four missing US soldiers have been found dead, with the fate of one still unknown. Earlier in the day, Lithuanian rescuers pulled their vehicle from a swamp.
The US Army confirmed the find. “Three US Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were found deceased in Lithuania today, March 31,” US Army Europe and Africa’s public affairs office said in a statement.
It added that “search and recovery operations continue for the remaining fourth soldier.”
Armored vehicle recovered from swamp
Earlier on Monday, after a six-day search, authorities in Lithuania recovered a US vehicle of four US soldiers that went missing last week during a training exercise.
However, the recovery of the vehicle has not initially shed light on the fate of the four US soldiers who were on board. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry said the investigation was still ongoing.
“After the operation to remove the armored vehicle from the swamp is completed, the Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators are continuing their work at the site,” the ministry wrote on social media.
In a tragic turn of events, Lithuanian authorities have reported that three of the four missing U.S. soldiers have been found dead following a months-long search operation in the country’s remote regions. The soldiers, who went missing during a training exercise in early September, were part of a multinational NATO operation aimed at enhancing regional security. The situation has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced the grim discovery in a press conference held earlier today. The soldiers were part of a unit stationed in Eastern Europe and had reportedly gone missing after a scheduled training exercise near the town of Druskininkai. “This is a heartbreaking moment for us all as we mourn the loss of these brave servicemen who exemplified courage in their duties,” said Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
Search operations were launched immediately after the soldiers were reported missing, involving local law enforcement, military personnel, and volunteers. The combination of challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions hampered efforts for weeks. The fourth soldier remains unaccounted for, with search teams continuing their efforts in the area. Lithuanian officials have pledged to spare no resources in their commitment to locating the remaining serviceman.
As the news of the soldiers’ deaths spread, reactions poured in from various leaders and organizations. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “Our thoughts are with the families and comrades of the fallen servicemen. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we stand united in support of the United States during this difficult time,” Stoltenberg stated in a written message released by the alliance.
The search and rescue operations are being treated with utmost seriousness, and details regarding the circumstances of the soldiers’ disappearance are under investigation. Lithuanian authorities have launched an inquiry to explore all possible factors that could have contributed to the situation, including the potential influence of weather conditions and the nature of the military exercise itself. Colonel Darius Lileikis, who led the search operations, noted, “We are committed to getting to the bottom of this tragic incident. Every detail matters.”
The loss of these soldiers raises critical questions about the safety protocols during joint military exercises, particularly in regions with challenging environmental conditions. Analysts are calling for a review of operational procedures to ensure the safety of personnel engaged in similar missions in the future. Military expert Dr. Ingrida Šuminas remarked, “While risks are inherent in military training, the circumstances of this incident warrant a reassessment. The safety of our troops must always be a top priority.”
As the investigation continues, the search for the fourth soldier remains a top priority, with officials urging the local community to provide any information that may assist in the effort. “We hope to bring closure to all families involved by finding the last missing serviceman,” said Minister Anušauskas.
In the wake of this tragedy, the unity between Lithuania and the United States has been highlighted, showcasing the strong bonds of friendship and shared commitment to collective defense. The soldiers were not only active participants in a NATO initiative but also ambassadors of solidarity between allied nations.
As the community mourns the loss of these brave individuals, memorial services are expected to be held in their honor both in Lithuania and across the United States. The emotional toll on the families and fellow servicemen is profound, reminding the world of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military.
In conclusion, the discovery of three US soldiers found dead in Lithuania underscores the risks associated with military exercises and the unpredictability of such training operations. As investigations proceed, the international community stands in solidarity, honoring the fallen and striving to prevent such tragedies in the future.
U.S. Army confirmed that the bodies of three of the four soldiers who went missing in Lithuania last week have been found. The soldiers were part of a crew operating an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle that submerged in a swamp during a training exercise near Pabradė, Lithuania.
The vehicle was recovered from the swamp early Monday morning after a six-day multinational search and recovery operation. Following the recovery of the vehicle, the remains of three soldiers were found. Search efforts are still underway for the fourth soldier.
The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, and were participating in Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO mission aimed at strengthening the alliance’s eastern flank.
Lithuanian authorities have launched a pre-trial investigation to determine the cause of death of the soldiers.
