Missing U.S. Armored Vehicle Recovered in Lithuania, Fate of Soldiers Unknown

Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel build a makeshift dam from HESCO barrier bags during recovery efforts for four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

A U.S. armored vehicle that had been missing in Lithuania for six days was retrieved from a swamp, but there is still no information regarding the fate of the four American soldiers who were on board, Lithuanian officials confirmed Monday. The vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., completing the towing operation. Lithuanian Military Police and U.S. investigators remain on-site to continue their work, according to Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė.

The soldiers had been participating in a training exercise at the extensive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė when they and their vehicle were reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Lithuanian authorities have urged patience and caution as the investigation unfolds. Šakalienė emphasized the need to remain calm and considerate of the sensitivity of the situation, particularly given the concerns of the soldiers’ families.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

She further stated that any updates regarding the fate of the missing soldiers would be communicated first by the U.S. Army. The soldiers, all members of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were engaged in tactical training when they disappeared. Investigations are ongoing.