Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Missing US Soldiers Operation in Lithuania
PABRADĖ, Lithuania – US Army Europe and Africa have released a statement regarding four US soldiers who remain missing following the discovery of their armored vehicle in Lithuania. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Pabradė training area to locate the missing service members. This incident involving the missing US soldiers and their M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle occurred during a scheduled training exercise in Lithuania.
Intensified Search for Missing Soldiers Near Pabradė
The statement confirmed that joint US and Lithuanian search and rescue efforts are continuing near Pabradė, Lithuania. Military officials emphasized that the search “will not stop” until the four missing US soldiers are found, despite the challenging terrain.
Ongoing US-Lithuanian Search and Rescue Efforts
According to the statement, significant resources from both nations are being deployed in the ongoing operation.
- Joint US and Lithuanian personnel involved.
- Search efforts concentrated near Pabradė training area.
- Commitment to continue until soldiers are located.
Commander’s Statement on Recovery Efforts
Major General Curtis Taylor, Commanding General of the First Armored Division, addressed the ongoing situation. “We are leveraging every available US and Lithuanian asset to coordinate for and provide the required resources for this effort,” stated Maj. Gen. Taylor.
He further expressed gratitude, “We are incredibly appreciative of the dedicated and professional efforts of our Lithuanian Allies in ensuring the safety of US personnel. They have worked tirelessly alongside us over the last 48 hours and we continue to be grateful for their support.”
Maj. Gen. Taylor concluded, “This tragic situation weighs heavily on all of us and we’re keeping the families, friends and teammates of our soldiers and recovery team in our thoughts and prayers. We want everyone to know, we will not stop until our soldiers are found.”
Details of the Incident and Vehicle Recovery
A major search operation commenced after the tracked M88 Hercules recovery vehicle, in which the soldiers were traveling, was reported missing at approximately 4:45 PM on Tuesday. The soldiers are assigned to the First Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
The unit was conducting a maintenance mission to retrieve another US Army vehicle within the training area as part of a scheduled unit training exercise.
M88 Hercules Vehicle Submerged in Training Area
The armored vehicle was located on Wednesday morning, submerged in a body of water within the training grounds. The discovery followed extensive search operations involving:
- US and Lithuanian Army personnel.
- Law enforcement agencies.
- Lithuanian military helicopters.
- Specialized diving teams.
The US Army confirmed, “The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident. The M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle the four missing U.S. Soldiers were operating during a training exercise, has been located in Lithuania.”
Complex Recovery Operation
The challenging terrain around the site has significantly complicated recovery efforts. Personnel are utilizing specialized equipment to drain water and stabilize the ground to facilitate safe access to the submerged vehicle.
Engineering Challenges and Terrain Difficulties
Major Robin Bruce, First Armored Division Engineer, emphasized the difficulties, stating, “Due to the terrain, this is an incredibly complex engineering effort. The team on the ground is working to remove enough water and mud for rescue teams to safely reach, stabilize, and access the vehicle.”
Specialized Equipment and Joint Engineering Efforts
Currently, both Lithuanian and US Army engineers are actively working to address the engineering challenges. Their efforts include:
- Pumping water from the site.
- Excavating mud.
- Improving the surrounding area to support heavy machinery.
Maj. Bruce added, “The team is exploring every available option to speed up this process.”
Engineers on site are constructing berms from local dirt and sand to create contained areas. These structures will enable efficient water removal and mud dredging, ultimately providing emergency personnel with safer access to the vehicle and allowing for the continuation of search and recovery operations for the missing US soldiers in Lithuania.