The U.S. military is now reportedly actively engaged in efforts to recover a submerged vehicle in a Lithuanian swamp, believed to contain the bodies of four missing U.S. Army soldiers.
The soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, disappeared during scheduled tactical training at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė, near the Belarus border.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, reported that both American and Lithuanian resources are being utilized to coordinate the recovery operation.
The soldiers were inside an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle, designed to tow damaged tanks, when the incident occurred.
The vehicle was located shortly after their disappearance, but recovery efforts have been complicated by the challenging terrain.
The area features thick forests and swampy ground, which have created significant obstacles for recovery teams.
Specialized equipment is required to drain water and stabilize the muddy environment.
Engineers on site are working to build berms—barriers made of nearby dirt and sand—to create a contained area, allowing for the pumping of water and removal of mud, thereby granting access to the submerged vehicle.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of the recovery efforts, stating, “We will not rest until our troops are found.”
He expressed solidarity with the families and teams involved in the search. Hegseth reminded everyone that military training, like combat, is inherently serious and never routine.
As efforts continue in Lithuania, the military remains focused on locating and recovering the missing soldiers, ensuring that all available resources are dedicated to this critical mission.
The situation underscores the risks faced by Army personnel even during training exercises.
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