Search underway for 4 US soldiers missing in Lithuania during training on Belarus border

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the latest developments.

Search and rescue efforts are underway for four American soldiers who went missing in Lithuania in an incident during training near the border with Belarus, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry reported on March 26.

The U.S. Army and Lithuanian Armed Forces are currently conducting a joint search and rescue operation, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said in a statement.

"People are working around the clock, and everyone remains on standby, ready to provide emergency medical support. Please rest assured that we will continue our efforts tirelessly and keep you informed of any developments," Sakaliene said.

The U.S. Army reported that the vehicle carrying four missing soldiers was found submerged in water, with search efforts still ongoing.

"The M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle the four missing U.S. soldiers were operating during a training exercise has been located in Lithuania," U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s public affairs office said in a statement, as reported by the Guardian.

"The vehicle was discovered submerged in a body of water in a training area… Recovery efforts are underway," the statement added.

Earlier in the day, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told reporters that the soldiers had died, but said he had no further details. A NATO spokesperson later said Rutte was not confirming the soldiers' deaths and that the fate of the missing persons is still unknown.

Prior to Rutte's remarks, the Lithuanian Armed Forces said the military was searching for U.S. soldiers and a tracked vehicle that had gone missing on March 25.

According to the U.S. Army, the soldiers disappeared in a training area near the city of Pabrade, some 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border with Belarus. Pabrade is home to Camp Herkus, a U.S. military camp.

"The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident," the U.S. Army said in a statement.

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