4 U.S Soldiers Found Dead In Lithuania After Disappearing From Training

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.

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.

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.

credit: Dailymail UK || AP News