Horror as four American soldiers 'are found dead' after vanishing during training exercise in Lithuania
Four US Army soldiers have reportedly been found dead the day after they were reported missing during a training exercise in Lithuania.
The four servicemen, who have not been identified by authorities, were with the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
Early reports indicate that the soldiers may have been traveling in an M88 recovery vehicle, one of the largest armored vehicles used by the US military, which may have fallen into a body of water.
The soldiers had been reported missing at around 4:45pm Tuesday following a training exercise near Pabrade, Lithuania, sparking a widespread search conducted by the US Army and Lithuanian authorities.
The soldiers were reportedly carrying out a tactical training routine at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė, which is less than six miles from the border with Belarus.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces said Wednesday that they had identified a 'possible location' of the missing soldiers and their vehicle.
The military said in a statement that 'a search and rescue operation is underway, led by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, with additional capabilities from the Fire Protection and Rescue Department and other institutions.'
Officials have not offered any details regarding how the soldiers or their vehicle went missing nor the manner of their reported deaths.
Four US Army soldiers have been found dead after being reported missing during a training exercise in Lithuania. Military forces are pictured in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2024
Reports indicate that the soldiers may have been traveling in an M88 recovery vehicle (pictured in 2022), one of the largest armored vehicles used by the US military, which may have fallen into a body of water
The US military was performing joint-training exercises with Lithuanian forces amid rising tensions between Baltic nations and Russia.
Lithuania, along with neighbors Latvia and Estonia, have often had tense ties with Russia since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. All are members of NATO.
Relations in the region worsened following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has been one of the most vocal European leaders supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces.
In a press release issued before the soldiers were reportedly found, Lt. Gen Charles Costanza said he '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 and our humanity regardless of what flags we wear on our shoulders,' Costanza added.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda been one of the most vocal European leaders supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. He is pictured embracing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 6, 2025
The search included the deployment of helicopters from the Air Force and State Border Guard Service.
The US Army has not commented on the soldiers' deaths, and previously said the soldiers were on a 'scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident.'
This is a developing story and will be updated as information is confirmed.
