Three U.S. Soldiers Found Dead in Armored Vehicle in Lithuania, One Still Missing – In a tragic incident, three U.S. Army soldiers were found dead in their armored vehicle after a six-day search operation at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Lithuania. The vehicle, which was submerged in a swampy peat bog, was recovered early Monday morning following an extensive search operation involving U.S., Polish, and Lithuanian forces. The soldiers had gone missing during a tactical training exercise, and their bodies were discovered after the vehicle was extracted from the water.
The recovery operation, which began shortly after the soldiers and their vehicle were reported missing on Tuesday, involved hundreds of military personnel, search and rescue teams, and specialized equipment. The vehicle was located submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water, deep in a thick, forested area near Pabradė, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the Belarusian border. This area, known for its difficult terrain and swampy conditions, presented significant challenges to the rescue teams, who worked tirelessly to locate the soldiers and recover the vehicle.
Lithuanian armed forces played a critical role in the search and recovery operation, providing military helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and search personnel. They also deployed heavy construction equipment, such as excavators, pumps, and gravel, to assist in the difficult task of extracting the 63-ton armored vehicle. U.S. Navy divers were able to navigate through thick layers of mud and sediment to reach the vehicle, working with zero visibility to attach steel cables for the towing process. After several hours of effort and the use of additional heavy machinery, the vehicle was successfully pulled from the swamp at 4:40 a.m. Monday.
Despite the successful recovery of the vehicle and the bodies of the three soldiers, one soldier remains unaccounted for. U.S. Navy dive teams are now conducting a thorough search of the area using radar in an effort to locate the missing soldier. The U.S. Army has expressed its unwavering commitment to finding all the soldiers involved and bringing them home safely.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers. “We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time,” he said. He further emphasized that the search would continue until all the soldiers are accounted for.
The identities of the deceased soldiers, who were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are being withheld pending notification of their families. Authorities from both the U.S. and Lithuania are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the tragedy.
Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, praised the heroic efforts of all those involved in the recovery operation. He thanked the U.S. and Lithuanian personnel for their dedication and tireless work in trying to bring closure to this devastating event. The investigation into the cause of the incident remains ongoing, as officials from both countries work to understand the circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ tragic deaths.
As the search continues for the missing soldier, both U.S. and Lithuanian authorities remain committed to providing all necessary resources and support to the families of the soldiers involved. The incident has left the military community in mourning, as the soldiers’ families and comrades await answers and hope for the safe return of the missing soldier.
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