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Search Continues for Missing Soldier in Lithuania After Bodies of Three Found
VILNIUS, Lithuania – The remains of three U.S. Army soldiers who disappeared in Lithuania during a training operation last week have been recovered, while the search for a fourth service member is still underway, according to military officials on Monday. The incident, involving US Army soldiers engaged in a training exercise in Lithuania, has prompted an intensive search and recovery operation.
Incident Details
The soldiers went missing on the morning of March 25 after their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle became submerged in a peat bog. This occurred during a mission to retrieve a disabled tactical vehicle.
Soldiers’ Identities Withheld
Authorities are withholding the identities of the soldiers, all assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, pending notification of their families. The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Public Affairs Office is managing communications regarding the incident.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Search and recovery operations are actively continuing to locate the remaining soldier.
Deployment and Operation Atlantic Resolve
The soldiers were deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, according to military sources. Lithuanian armed forces and law enforcement agencies collaborated with U.S. personnel throughout the training exercise.
Vehicle Recovery
The 63-ton armored vehicle was successfully extracted from the peat bog early Monday morning following a demanding six-day operation.
Extensive Search Operation
Earlier in the week, the U.S. Army reported that hundreds of soldiers and law enforcement personnel from both the United States and Lithuania meticulously searched the dense forest and marshy terrain in an effort to find the missing soldiers.
Specialized Equipment Utilized
The recovery operation necessitated specialized equipment to stabilize the unstable ground in the area. Resources deployed in the effort included:
- Lithuanian military helicopters
- Fixed-wing aircraft
- Unmanned aerial systems
- Excavators
- Sluice and slurry pumps
- Several hundred tons of gravel and earth
Command’s Statement on the Tragedy
“The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were more than just Soldiers — they were part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that resonates across the entire Marne Division, both abroad and at home,” stated Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division.
“We grieve alongside the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this incredibly difficult time. The search remains active until every soldier is returned home,” the statement concluded.
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Lithuania’s Role and Operation Atlantic Resolve
Lithuania, a former Soviet republic and NATO member since 2004, has hosted hundreds of U.S. troops since 2014 as part of Operation “Atlantic Resolve.” This operation was initiated following Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
This is a developing story. Check back for further updates.