Search Intensifies for Four Missing U.S. Soldiers in Lithuania Near Belarus Border

The soldiers, last seen operating an armored recovery vehicle during a NATO training exercise, remain unaccounted for as U.S. and Lithuanian forces coordinate search efforts.

Four U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division went missing on Tuesday during a tactical training exercise near Pabradė, Lithuania, close to the Belarus border.
The soldiers were last seen operating an M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground.
A coordinated search-and-recovery operation involving U.S. Army personnel, Lithuanian Armed Forces, and local law enforcement is ongoing.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza expressed gratitude to Lithuanian responders, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Lithuanian military cooperation.
The incident highlights the strategic significance of NATO operations in the Baltic region, a focal point of geopolitical tensions with Russia and Belarus.