Three U.S. soldiers found dead in Lithuania swamp, one still missing

Three U.S. Army soldiers who went missing in Lithuania last week have been found dead in their armored vehicle, which was recovered from a swamp after an extensive six-day search. The vehicle was pulled from a peat bog at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė, around 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the Belarus border. Despite the recovery of the vehicle, one soldier remains missing, prompting ongoing efforts by military personnel from the U.S., Poland, and Lithuania.

The soldiers, part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were participating in a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday. Their identities have not been disclosed, as the U.S. Army awaits family notifications. In a statement, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed deep condolences to the families, emphasizing that the search would continue until all soldiers were found. "We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary 'Dogface Soldiers,'" he said. "The search isn't finished until everyone is home."

The search operation involved hundreds of soldiers and rescuers working through thick forest and swampy terrain. The armored vehicle was found submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water on Wednesday. Lithuanian armed forces supported the operation by providing military helicopters, aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and heavy construction equipment, including excavators and pumps. U.S. Navy divers worked in near-zero visibility conditions to locate the vehicle, and after several hours, the vehicle was successfully pulled from the bog.

Though three bodies have been recovered, efforts are ongoing to locate the fourth soldier. The dive team is now using radar to search the area. Lithuanian and U.S. authorities are investigating the incident to determine its cause. Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked all those involved in the search and recovery, calling their efforts "heroic."