Four soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division have not been accounted for during a scheduled tactical training session in Pabrade, prompting comprehensive search efforts in collaboration with Lithuanian authorities.
Four U.S. Soldiers Missing During Training Mission in Lithuania
Four U.S. Soldiers Missing During Training Mission in Lithuania
The U.S. military has initiated a search for four soldiers who went missing during a routine training exercise in eastern Lithuania near the Belarus border.
The U.S. military confirmed that it is actively coordinating with local forces in Lithuania to locate the missing soldiers who were last seen on Tuesday.
The U.S. Army reported that the soldiers disappeared while conducting tactical training exercises in a designated area near Pabrade, a city positioned close to the border with Belarus. In response to their disappearance, a robust search operation is underway, involving not only military personnel but also local law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces received the missing report at approximately 4:45 PM local time on Tuesday. They have mobilized Air Force helicopters and various resources to scour an identified “potential accident site” within the training vicinity.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of the V Corps, emphasized the spirit of collaboration between U.S. and Lithuanian forces in his statement: “I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations,” he stated, underscoring the alliance's significance and the humanitarian aspects of their partnership.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing military training conducted by U.S. forces in Lithuania, an important NATO member state that stands firmly allied with Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Most of these exercises are carried out in the Pabrade training area, involving troops from Lithuania alongside other NATO allies, which is especially significant given Belarus's proximity and its allegiance to Russia.
The case of the missing soldiers highlights the complexities of military training operations in regions adjacent to potential geopolitical tensions, drawing attention to the collaboration and support systems that exist among NATO partners.
As the search continues, officials from both the U.S. and Lithuania remain hopeful for a swift and safe resolution.
The U.S. Army reported that the soldiers disappeared while conducting tactical training exercises in a designated area near Pabrade, a city positioned close to the border with Belarus. In response to their disappearance, a robust search operation is underway, involving not only military personnel but also local law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces received the missing report at approximately 4:45 PM local time on Tuesday. They have mobilized Air Force helicopters and various resources to scour an identified “potential accident site” within the training vicinity.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of the V Corps, emphasized the spirit of collaboration between U.S. and Lithuanian forces in his statement: “I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations,” he stated, underscoring the alliance's significance and the humanitarian aspects of their partnership.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing military training conducted by U.S. forces in Lithuania, an important NATO member state that stands firmly allied with Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Most of these exercises are carried out in the Pabrade training area, involving troops from Lithuania alongside other NATO allies, which is especially significant given Belarus's proximity and its allegiance to Russia.
The case of the missing soldiers highlights the complexities of military training operations in regions adjacent to potential geopolitical tensions, drawing attention to the collaboration and support systems that exist among NATO partners.
As the search continues, officials from both the U.S. and Lithuania remain hopeful for a swift and safe resolution.
