3 US troops found dead in Lithuania after search; fourth still missing

Three of the four US soldiers who went missing in Lithuania last week have been confirmed dead after rescuers retrieved their armored vehicle from a peat bog, the US Army announced. The fourth soldier remains unaccounted for.

The soldiers disappeared during a tactical training exercise on a large military range near Pabradė, an area located close to the Belarusian border. Lithuanian authorities were alerted to their disappearance on Tuesday, prompting an intense search operation.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed deep sorrow for the fallen soldiers, saying, “We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘dogface soldiers’ during this unimaginable time. But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”
A six-day recovery mission, involving US, Polish, and Lithuanian military personnel, ultimately led to the discovery of the three soldiers' bodies after their armored vehicle, an M88 Hercules, was found in the bog. The recovery process involved the use of heavy equipment and excavators to remove the thick silt and water surrounding the vehicle before it was pulled out early Monday morning.
According to US Army Europe and Africa’s public affairs office, the soldiers were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
“Three US Army soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were found deceased in Lithuania today, 31 March,” the statement read, adding that their identities would be withheld until their families were notified.
The recovery operation was extensive, with hundreds of local and foreign personnel involved, including engineers, divers, and rescue workers. The Lithuanian Armed Forces contributed military helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and specialized personnel. Heavy construction equipment and technical experts were also mobilised to assist in the effort.
US Navy divers played a crucial role, maneuvering through thick layers of mud and sediment with zero visibility to attach steel cables to the 63-tonne vehicle. Despite challenges, including the vehicle losing traction during the extraction, additional bulldozers were brought in to assist. The vehicle was finally freed after two hours of intense work.
As the search continues for the fourth soldier, Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked all those involved in the operation, describing their efforts as “heroic.” The US Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.
Lithuania, a Nato and EU member, hosts more than 1,000 US troops stationed on a rotational basis, strengthening the alliance's presence in the region.