Search for Missing U.S. Soldiers in Lithuania Intensifies as Fate Remains Unclear

Four soldiers' vehicle found submerged in swampy terrain as U.S. and Lithuanian forces continue recovery efforts near Belarusian border.

Four U.S. soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division went missing during a training exercise near Pabradė, Lithuania, on March 25, 2025.
Their M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle was discovered submerged in a swamp, complicating recovery operations due to the challenging terrain.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte initially stated the soldiers had died but later clarified that their fate remains unconfirmed, with the search ongoing.
Recovery efforts involve U.S. and Lithuanian military forces, helicopters, and civilian agencies, employing heavy equipment to drain water and access the vehicle.
The incident highlights the operational risks of training in complex environments and the geopolitical significance of NATO's presence in the region.