Four American military personnel were reported missing during a training session in eastern Lithuania on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces on Wednesday.
A notification was received on March 25, at 16.45 (local time), regarding the disappearance of the four US soldiers and a vehicle during training exercises at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training facility in Pabradė, according to Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) reports.
Lithuanian and international forces, along with Air Force and State Border Guard Service helicopters, initiated a search operation on the same day.
The authorities have identified a potential incident location, and rescue efforts continue under the leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, supported by the Fire and Rescue Department and additional organisations.
US Army Europe and Africa also confirmed the missing personnel status. The soldiers, belonging to 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were participating in planned tactical exercises when the incident occurred. “I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations,” Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the V Corps commanding general, is quoted by LRT in the statement. “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.”
Giedrimas Jeglinskas, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defence, had acknowledged awareness of the situation but maintained discretion. “There is a request from the military and the forces that were conducting the drills to exercise discretion at this time and not to make any comments. Let’s be respectful, let’s allow all the procedures to do their work. The police and all the elements that have to be involved are involved, these investigations are involved,” he told LRT RADIO.