Lithuanian forces intensify search for missing US soldier
The Lithuanian Armed Forces have announced the deployment of another amphibious excavator in the search for the fourth missing American soldier. Polish engineers and the Estonian K9 police have joined the operation to assist in the efforts.
What do you need to know?
- Where are the searches taking place? The searches are being conducted at the training ground in Pabrade, Lithuania, where four American soldiers went missing.
- Who is involved in the operation? Polish engineers and the Estonian K9 police are supporting the Lithuanian Armed Forces in this operation.
- What are the latest actions? The third amphibious excavator, equipped with special rakes, is being used to help locate the last missing soldier.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces report that Polish engineers and the Estonian K9 police are collaborating in the search for the fourth missing American soldier. The addition of another amphibious excavator is expected to enhance the chances of locating the missing individual.
"The search operation continues, with assistance of Poland and Estonia joining. Thank you, dear friends," was posted on the Lithuanian Defense Ministry's profile.
Earlier, on Monday, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed the deaths of three out of the four soldiers.
Accident at the training ground during exercises. The combat vehicle sank in a swamp
The soldiers were traveling in an M88 Hercules recovery vehicle, which sank in a swamp. The machine ended up 13 feet underwater, covered by a 6.5-foot layer of silt. The retrieval of the vehicle was completed on Monday morning, marking a crucial step in the search efforts.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, emphasizing Lithuania's solidarity with the United States. "Lithuania mourns together with the American nation. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well as those of the Lithuanian people," Nausėda wrote to U.S. President Donald Trump on the platform X.
Approximately one thousand American soldiers, organized into two battalions, are stationed at the training ground in Pabrade. These troops have been present since 2019 as part of rotational deployments, mainly within armored brigades.
