In a concerning development, four US Army soldiers have gone missing during a training mission near Lithuania's border with Belarus. Military officials reported the incident on Wednesday, detailing that search operations are currently underway to locate the missing personnel.
The soldiers were last seen on Tuesday in a training area close to the city of Pabrade at approximately 4:45 p.m. local time (10:45 a.m. ET). This information was confirmed by a statement from the Lithuanian Armed Forces, which emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
According to the US Army Europe and Africa, the missing soldiers are all members of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. At the time of their disappearance, they were engaged in scheduled tactical training exercises. This incident has raised alarms not only among military officials but also within the wider community, as the soldiers are part of a long-standing US military presence in the region.
Search and recovery operations are being conducted collaboratively by the US Army, the Lithuanian Armed Forces, and local law enforcement agencies. The Lithuanian Armed Forces have also mobilized helicopters and members of the country’s border guard to assist in the search efforts. This multi-faceted approach underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation as authorities strive to locate the missing soldiers.
The US has maintained a military presence in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region since 2014, under an operation called “Atlantic Resolve.” This initiative was launched in response to Russia's invasion of Crimea and aims to bolster NATO’s collective defense in the area. Lithuania, a member of both NATO and the European Union, hosts hundreds of American troops on a rotational basis, reflecting the strategic importance of the region.
In August 2021, a US military camp named Camp Herkus was established in Pabrade, further solidifying the US commitment to regional security. This camp is equipped to house up to 700 soldiers, with the capacity to accommodate 1,000 on a short-term basis, according to statements from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the search for the missing soldiers.
