U.S. Army soldiers missing during a tactical training exercise in Lithuania, near the Belarusian border.Army personnel have vanished. All of the men from the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade were last seen in their M88 recovery vehicle, which was subsequently discovered buried under water.
Search and Recovery Underway
Authorities have launched a search and recovery mission in the Pabradė training area, located approximately 30 miles south of Vilnius and 6 miles from the Belarusian border.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the V Corps commander, expressed his gratitude to the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders for their swift assistance.
“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,” said Costanza.
Pentagon Responds
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the situation, stating, “Our hearts go out to the soldiers and families affected by this situation.”
U.S. Army soldiers missing as the military withholds their identities, with updates on search efforts expected soon.
The United States in Lithuania
Despite escalating regional tensions, Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, has a solid military alliance with the United States. The nation borders Belarus, a Russian ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, by 421 miles. Belarus has contributed to increased security worries by endorsing Russia’s activities in Ukraine.
Source: NBC News