American soldiers missing in Lithuania near Belarus border
Four American soldiers went missing after exercises near Pabradė, in eastern Lithuania, close to the Belarusian border. According to unofficial information, the soldiers are deceased. A search operation is underway.
The Lithuanian army reported in a statement that on Tuesday, the command received a report that four American soldiers along with a tracked vehicle went missing during exercises in the vicinity of Pabradė, near the Belarusian border.
The search operation involved Lithuanian and foreign services, as well as helicopters and border guard officers.
The military stated in a communiqué that a possible "incident" site was located. According to the Lrytas portal, the tracked vehicle that the Americans were suspected to be using was found in the swamps. The soldiers are still being searched for.
According to the BNS agency, it is assumed that the soldiers perished. Similar reports are being delivered by Delfi and the LRT agency. However, no one has officially confirmed this information yet.
Americans thank for assistance
The United States Army in Europe stated that the missing are soldiers from the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division. At the time of the incident, they were conducting "planned tactical maneuvers."
"I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations," conveyed Lieutenant General Charles Costanza.
"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," he added.
Currently, about 800 American soldiers are stationed in Lithuania.
