In brief
The U.S. Army has initiated an extensive search operation for four missing soldiers in Lithuania who disappeared during a tactical training exercise.
Four U.S. Army soldiers are currently unaccounted for following a training mission in eastern Lithuania, leading to immediate search operations by military officials. The soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were engaged in tactical drills near the city of Pabrade on the border with Belarus. Reports indicate that the soldiers and their vehicle were reported missing around 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday.Search and recovery efforts are being coordinated by the U.S. military in collaboration with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and local law enforcement. "Search and recovery efforts are underway," an official statement confirmed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Helicopters from the Lithuanian Air Force, along with additional resources, have been deployed to scour the vicinity of the Pabrade training area, where a potential accident site has been identified.Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the commanding general of the V Corps, a U.S. Army unit stationed along NATO's eastern flank, expressed gratitude for the rapid response of the Lithuanian military and first responders assisting in the search. He noted the significance of bilateral collaboration, stating, “It’s this kind of teamwork and support that exemplifies the importance of our partnership and our humanity regardless of what flags we wear on our shoulders.”The U.S. military frequently organizes training missions in Lithuania, a NATO member known for its support of Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia. These exercises generally involve American soldiers working alongside their Lithuanian counterparts and other NATO allies, especially given the proximity of Russia's ally, Belarus.
