A search is said to be underway for the missing soliders
Four US army soldiers are missing near the Lithuanian capital, it has been confirmed.
The soldiers, who were part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, had been conducting scheduled tactical training just outside the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius when they disappeared. Along with the soldiers, a vehicle is also unaccounted for.
In a statement released today (March 26), the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius confirmed: “The soldiers were engaged in planned training at the time of the incident.” The embassy added, “Search and recovery efforts are currently underway,” as reported by The Independent.
The Lithuanian military has issued a statement confirming that a possible site has been identified, and search and rescue operations are actively underway. They also mentioned that updates on the progress of the search will be provided as new information emerges.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, expressed his gratitude to Lithuanian officials for their swift assistance in the operation.
“I want to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who immediately came to our aid in these search efforts,” he said. “This kind of teamwork and support truly demonstrates the strength of our partnership and our shared humanity, regardless of the flags we carry.”
The soldiers and their vehicle were first reported missing on March 25.
According to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, the soldiers were conducting training at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė, located about six miles from the Belarus border.
Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, has had a complex history with its neighbor, Belarus, which is closely allied with Russia. Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, ending 50 years of Russian occupation. Given this fraught history, tensions between Russia and Lithuania have persisted over the years, especially as Lithuania has consistently supported Ukraine and NATO’s efforts in the region.
