Bodies of three of the four missing US soldiers recovered in Lithuania
The US Army says the bodies of three of its soldiers who went missing in Lithuania during a training exercise last week have been found.
Rescue teams are still searching for a fourth soldier who also went missing on the morning of 25 March.
The search was launched after their M88 Hercules armoured recovery vehicle became submerged in a bog during a mission to repair and tow an immobilised tactical vehicle.
The next day, near the border with Belarus, their vehicle was found.
It took six days to remove it from the muddy swamp with the help of Lithuanian military helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, as well as excavators, slurry pumps and several hundred tonnes of gravel and earth.
The soldiers were all assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
They'd been deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia.
In a statement issued by US Army Europe and Africa, Major General Christopher Norrie said: The soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just soldiers – they were a part of our family."
The Lithuanian MOD says it honours the soldiers' service and sacrifice.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with US and Lithuanian teams looking into the incident.
Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda said on X: "It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I received the news of the tragic loss of three US soldiers during a US-led training exercise in Lithuania.
"The search and rescue operation will continue until the fourth soldier is found.
"Donald Trump, Lithuania mourns together with the American nation.
"Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well as those of the Lithuanian people, to you, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, and all the people of the United States of America.
"During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you."
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