US Soldiers Killed During NATO Training Exercise In Lithuania Near Belarus Border

Four U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, have died during a training exercise in Lithuania. The incident occurred near the town of Pabradė, close to the Belarus border. The soldiers were traveling in an M88A2 Armored Recovery Vehicle when they went missing on Tuesday, prompting a search operation involving Lithuanian and NATO forces. Their bodies and vehicle were later discovered in a swampy area.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the deaths, expressing condolences and highlighting the risks associated with military training exercises, especially in challenging environments. The U.S. Army Europe and Africa stated that the soldiers were conducting scheduled tactical training at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė.

The New York Post has additional information about the soldiers who were initially reported as missing:

The four soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, were last seen alive on Tuesday riding an armored vehicle during tactical training exercises at a military site near the city of Pabrade, in eastern Lithuania.

The area is about six miles from the border with Belarus — a staunch Russian ally, Army officials said.

Rutte said he had received word of the deaths of the four soldiers and extended his thoughts and prayers to their families and the United States.

“This is still early news so we do not know the details,” he told reporters while on a visit to Poland’s capital Warsaw. “This is really terrible news and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones.”

Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The names of the deceased soldiers have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.