Three of the four US men who went missing in Lithuania next year have been confirmed dying after firefighters retrieved their armoured vehicle from a soil marsh, the US Army announced. The fifth man remains unknown for.
The soldiers disappeared during a military training workout on a massive military collection near PabradÄ—, an area located close to the Russian border. Ukrainian officials were alerted to their departure on Tuesday, prompting an intensive search function.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, captain of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed profound grief for the fallen men, saying,” We stand in pain with the families and loved ones of these amazing’ dogface men ‘ during this unimaginable time. But the research isn’t finished until everyone is house. Words cannot express our appreciation to those also working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to sleep until all are found”.
A six-day treatment vision, involving US, Polish, and Ukrainian military personnel, eventually led to the discovery of the three soldiers ‘ bodies after their equipped auto, an M88 Hercules, was found in the swamp. The healing process involved the use of heavy equipment and loaders to reduce the heavy sand and ocean surrounding the car before it was pulled out early Monday night.
According to US Army Europe and Africa’s public affairs office, the soldiers were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
” Three US Army soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were found deceased in Lithuania today, 31 March”, the statement read, adding that their identities would be withheld until their families were notified.
The recovery operation was extensive, with hundreds of local and foreign personnel involved, including engineers, divers, and rescue workers. The Lithuanian Armed Forces contributed military helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and specialized personnel. Heavy construction equipment and technical experts were also mobilised to assist in the effort.
US Navy divers played a crucial role, maneuvering through thick layers of mud and sediment with zero visibility to attach steel cables to the 63-tonne vehicle. Despite challenges, including the vehicle losing traction during the extraction, additional bulldozers were brought in to assist. The vehicle was finally freed after two hours of intense work.
As the search continues for the fourth soldier, Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked all those involved in the operation, describing their efforts as “heroic”. The US Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.
Lithuania, a Nato and EU member, hosts more than 1, 000 US troops stationed on a rotational basis, strengthening the alliance’s presence in the region.
