**Rescue efforts are underway for four US soldiers missing for two days during military exercises in Lithuania, as international support mobilizes.**
**Search Intensifies for Missing US Soldiers in Lithuania**
**Search Intensifies for Missing US Soldiers in Lithuania**
**Ongoing operation seeks four soldiers lost during training near Belarus**
The Lithuanian military is engaged in an intensive search for four US soldiers who have been missing following tactical training exercises near Pabrade, close to the Belarus border. Reports indicated that the soldiers and their tracked vehicle disappeared on Tuesday afternoon, with the U.S. Army announcing that the vehicle was found submerged in a nearby body of water.
Despite earlier claims regarding the soldiers' potential fatalities, Lithuanian officials have clarified that no evidence confirming their deaths has been located. Throughout the search process, considerations for emergency medical support remain a priority.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned that he had received information regarding the soldiers' death but refrained from releasing further details. The search operation involves both Lithuanian and foreign military personnel, supported by helicopters and national border guards.
The soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were engaged in scheduled drills when the incident occurred. An official statement from US Army Europe and Africa corroborated that they were undertaking regular tactical training.
As of now, a potential scene linked to the soldiers' disappearance has been identified, prompting a swift response from local forces. "Everybody remains on standby, ready to provide emergency medical support," stated Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene.
Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, commanding general of the V Corps, expressed gratitude to the Lithuanian armed forces and first responders for their rapid action during the search operations. Lithuania, a member of NATO and the EU, is home to over 1,000 American troops on a rotational basis, further highlighting the close-knit relationship between the two nations in military matters.
Despite earlier claims regarding the soldiers' potential fatalities, Lithuanian officials have clarified that no evidence confirming their deaths has been located. Throughout the search process, considerations for emergency medical support remain a priority.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned that he had received information regarding the soldiers' death but refrained from releasing further details. The search operation involves both Lithuanian and foreign military personnel, supported by helicopters and national border guards.
The soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were engaged in scheduled drills when the incident occurred. An official statement from US Army Europe and Africa corroborated that they were undertaking regular tactical training.
As of now, a potential scene linked to the soldiers' disappearance has been identified, prompting a swift response from local forces. "Everybody remains on standby, ready to provide emergency medical support," stated Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene.
Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, commanding general of the V Corps, expressed gratitude to the Lithuanian armed forces and first responders for their rapid action during the search operations. Lithuania, a member of NATO and the EU, is home to over 1,000 American troops on a rotational basis, further highlighting the close-knit relationship between the two nations in military matters.
