Rescuers in Lithuania are working to retrieve an M88 Hercules armoured vehicle that was found submerged in water near the Belarus border, with four US soldiers still missing. The vehicle was located more than five metres down and efforts are being made to drain the water to excavate it. The fate of the soldiers is uncertain, as it is unknown whether they are still inside the vehicle. Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė stated that all scenarios are being considered in the search for the missing soldiers. The soldiers and their vehicle went missing during an exercise at a training ground in Pabradė.
The search and rescue operation is described as highly complex, with hundreds of people involved, including Lithuanian and US troops, government agencies, and private companies. Efforts have been ongoing throughout the night, with water being pumped and ground reinforcement in progress to allow heavy equipment to access the site without causing damage to a nearby gas pipeline. US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald expressed gratitude to the Lithuanian government and authorities for their assistance in the recovery efforts and stated that they will not rest until the troops are found. Lithuania is a NATO member and has strained relations with Russia and Belarus.
The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have often had tense relations with Russia and Belarus since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. The situation was further exacerbated when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has been a strong supporter of Ukraine in its efforts to repel Russian forces. The current search and rescue operation near the Belarus border highlights the close cooperation between the US and Lithuania, as well as the ongoing tensions in the region.
The M88 Hercules armoured vehicle that the soldiers were in was submerged in a swamp, prompting efforts to drain the water to reach it. The situation remains uncertain as officials work to determine the fate of the missing soldiers. The complex search and rescue operation involves multiple parties working together to locate the soldiers and the vehicle. Despite the challenges, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the troops are found and brought to safety.
The US soldiers and their vehicle went missing during an exercise at a training ground near the Belarus border, leading to a large-scale search and rescue operation involving Lithuanian and US troops, government agencies, and private companies. The collaboration between these parties reflects the strong alliance between the US and Lithuania. The ongoing recovery efforts are a reflection of the commitment to finding the missing soldiers and ensuring their safety. The situation near the Belarus border underscores the strategic importance of the region and the need for continued cooperation between NATO allies.
The involvement of US troops in the search and rescue operation near the Belarus border highlights the continued military presence in the region and the commitment to supporting allies in times of need. The efforts to retrieve the submerged vehicle and locate the missing soldiers are indicative of the dedication to ensuring the safety and security of military personnel. The ongoing search and rescue operation underscores the challenges and complexities involved in such missions, as well as the importance of cooperation between various parties to achieve a successful outcome. The situation near the Belarus border serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region and the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of military personnel.
