4 US soldiers missing from training exercise in Lithuania
Search operation underway near country's capital for US army soldiers, as forces of Baltic nation join rescue efforts
File Photo
BERLIN
Four US army soldiers have gone missing during a routine training exercise in the Baltic nation of Lithuania, military officials said Wednesday.
A multinational search operation is currently underway in Pabrade near the capital Vilnius, according to the US Army Europe and Africa command’s public affairs office.
The soldiers, all from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were doing routine training in the military area when the incident occurred, the office said in a statement.
“I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the V Corps commanding general.
“It's this kind of teamwork and support that exemplifies the importance of our partnership and our humanity regardless of what flags we wear on our shoulders.”
Military officials have not disclosed the identities of the missing soldiers, while investigators examine the circumstances of their disappearance.
US forces routinely participate in joint training exercises with NATO allies in Lithuania, a small country with a population of some 1.9 million situated between Russia and the Baltic Sea.
