Four U.S. Soldiers Missing in Lithuania During Training Mission

Four U.S. Army soldiers went missing during a training mission in Lithuania, prompting an extensive search operation in collaboration with local forces.

Four U.S. Army soldiers have gone missing during a training mission in Lithuania, raising concerns over their safety and sparking a collaborative search effort involving military and law enforcement personnel. The soldiers belong to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and were conducting tactical exercises near Pabrade, a city situated in eastern Lithuania close to the border with Belarus.

The search commenced after the soldiers and their vehicle were reported missing on Tuesday around 4:45 p.m. local time. The U.S. Army, along with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and local authorities, has mobilized resources, including Air Force helicopters, to scour a potential accident site in the area.

Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of the V Corps, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the U.S. and Lithuania. "I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations. It’s this kind of teamwork and support that exemplifies the importance of our partnership," he stated.

The U.S. military frequently conducts training missions in Lithuania, which is a NATO member and a steadfast supporter of Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Exercises in the Pabrade training area often involve participation from soldiers of NATO allies as well.