Three of the four missing US soldiers in Lithuania were found dead after extensive recovery efforts in a peat marsh, while one remains unaccounted for. The soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division, went missing during tactical training exercises near Pabrado, close to the Belarus border. US military officials expressed their condolences and gratitude for the ongoing search and recovery work, which involved a joint effort of US, Polish, and Lithuanian troops, alongside local authorities.
Rescue teams utilized heavy equipment, excavators, and divers, with the Lithuanian army providing helicopters and additional technical support. After six days of searching, divers located the M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle and successfully extracted it with the help of heavy machinery. As the recovery operations continue, the US Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the incident. Lithuania, a NATO and EU member, hosts over 1,000 US troops on a rotating basis.
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