4 US soldiers missing during exercise in Lithuania

The US and Lithuanian militaries announced on March 26 that four US soldiers were missing during a military exercise in Lithuania.

Lithuanian and foreign troops, along with helicopters from the country's air force and border guards, have been deployed to search for the missing US soldiers, AFP reported. The disappearance occurred during a training exercise at a training ground in eastern Lithuania.

A military exercise taking place in Lithuania in 2024

Photo: Captured from Reuters clip

"A possible crash site has been identified and search and rescue operations are underway," the Lithuanian military said in a statement.

Lithuanian authorities received reports of four missing US soldiers on the afternoon of March 25.

The US Embassy in Vilnius announced on March 26 on social network X that four US soldiers were missing at a training area in eastern Lithuania near the border with Belarus. The embassy did not say when they went missing.

"These soldiers, all assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident. Search and rescue efforts are underway," the US Embassy said, according to Reuters.

Additionally, the public affairs office of US Forces Europe and Africa confirmed in a statement that the US soldiers "were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident."

"I want to personally thank the Lithuanian armed forces and first responders who quickly assisted us in the search operations," said Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, commanding general of the US V Corps.

Lithuania, a member of NATO and the European Union (EU), is home to more than 1,000 US troops, according to AFP.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-binh-si-my-mat-tich-trong-cuoc-tap-tran-o-lithuania-185250326221925381.htm