Lithuanians mourn US soldiers who died when vehicle sank in swamp on exercise
Lithuania has bid an emotional farewell to the four US soldiers who died during a training exercise in the country.
People lined the streets of the capital city, Vilnius, to pay tribute to the personnel whose bodies were recovered from a swamp in the Pabradė Training Area.
The members of the US Army’s 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, had been operating an M88 Hercules armoured recovery vehicle when they were reported missing.
Their vehicle was found submerged in wetland a few days later and their remains were recovered by rescues teams earlier this week.
Crowds gathered in the heart of Vilnius to pay their respects to the soldiers as hearses transported their bodies through the city.
People waved Lithuanian and US flags as a sign of the enduring relationship between the two countries.
Posting on X, the Lithuanian defence ministry said: "Today, Lithuania honoured and bid farewell to the four US soldiers who tragically lost their lives in Pabradė.
"We will never forget them.
"The people of Lithuania prayed relentlessly for their fate, as we feel profound solidarity and regard American soldiers as our own."
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was among those who gathered to pay their respects.
He said: "I paid tribute to the four United States soldiers who lost their lives during training exercises in Lithuania.
"Americans are our loyal allies and friends."
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