Four U.S. Army soldiers vanished during a routine training exercise in Lithuania, triggering a massive search effort and a wave of confusion. By Wednesday, their M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle was found submerged in a peat bog near Pabradė, less than 10 kilometers from the Belarus border — a grim sign. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte initially told reporters in Warsaw that the soldiers had been “killed,” but hours later, both U.S. and Lithuanian officials pushed back. No deaths confirmed. The search continues. As of now their fate remains unknown. Rescuers are still digging through swampy terrain while the White House faces pressure. Were they killed? Trapped? Or still out there?.
Who Were the Soldiers?
The missing soldiers are part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division — the “Raider Brigade” — based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Deployed as part of NATO’s eastern flank posture since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, their mission in Lithuania reflects rising tensions along the alliance’s edge. Their names and ranks haven’t been released. U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) cited the ongoing search in a March 26 statement. The soldiers were inside an M88 Hercules — a 70-ton armored recovery vehicle built to haul tanks — conducting what the Army described as “scheduled tactical training,”. These weren’t green recruits. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė praised their discipline and professionalism in a statement to Reuters, calling them “like our soldiers.” The unit has been in Lithuania since at least 2021, when Camp Herkus opened in Pabradė to house up to 1,000 U.S. troops, per Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence.
What Happened? A Vehicle Sinks, Soldiers Vanish
According to timelines, the incident began on Tuesday, March 25, around 4:45 PM local time (9:45 AM EDT). The soldiers were navigating the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Ground — a swampy, forested area roughly 30 miles northeast of Vilnius. Early reports suggest the soldiers were on a recovery mission, likely assisting a disabled vehicle, when contact was lost. Lithuanian forces were alerted at 7:20 PM, and launched a joint search with U.S. troops, helicopters, and drones. The breakthrough came the next day. On Wednesday, March 26, the M88 was found over 16 feet deep in a peat bog. No soldiers were inside. Rescue teams began pumping out the site and reinforcing it overnight. By Thursday morning, Minister Šakalienė told LRT they had found “positive signs,” though she didn’t elaborate. As of now, no remains, no confirmed sightings. Just the vehicle. And questions.
The training ground where they vanished lies six miles from Belarus — a geopolitical hotspot since Russia’s deepening alliance with Minsk. The region is a regular staging site for NATO exercises, including May 2024’s “Grand Quadriga,” which involved German Eurocopters and U.S. armor. Weather at the time was in the low 40s°F and overcast — not extreme, but recent rains turned much of the soil into unstable bog. A perfect trap for a 70-ton vehicle like the M88. USAREUR-AF confirmed the vehicle’s discovery at 3:59 PM +04 (11:59 AM EDT) on Wednesday, March 26. Rescue operations have continued “round-the-clock,” with updates from Minister Šakalienė posted on X at 8:34 AM EDT Thursday.
Why the Confusion?
The public confusion started with a single line. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters in Warsaw: “Four American soldiers were killed in an incident in Lithuania,” per Military.com. That statement detonated across social media and newsrooms. Hours later, NATO walked it back. A spokesperson, Allison Hart, clarified that Rutte was referencing early reports, not confirming casualties. “No evidence confirms death,” Lithuanian officials echoed in their own X post
USAREUR-AF has kept messaging vague. Its latest update, at 7:45 AM EDT, reads: “Search efforts continue.” Former President Trump stirred further uncertainty, telling press he hadn’t been briefed — despite eight hours of widespread media coverage. As for the terrain? Tactical vehicle accidents are tragically common. Between 2010–2019, at least 153 deaths or serious injuries in the U.S. military were tied to such incidents, according to GAO data. Fatigue, rough ground, and visibility are frequent culprits. This one fits the pattern—but remains under investigation.
How’s It Unfolding?
As of Thursday, March 27, the search is in full force. Over 200 U.S. and Lithuanian troops, helicopters, and drones are scouring the bog around Pabradė. Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas visited the site, posting on X: “Our thoughts are with their families.” Šakalienė told LRT “We’ve got positive signs—hope’s not lost.” She hinted that tracks or gear may have been found but gave no specifics. The M88 is massive — 55 tons unloaded. For it to sink more than 16 feet suggests a total loss of ground integrity. Officials say no foul play is suspected. Lithuanian Army head Raimundas Vaiksnoras told Reuters: “It’s a tragic accident.” Until soldiers are found, every possibility remains on the table.
What’s Next? Answers or More Questions
As of now, there’s no official confirmation of whether the soldiers are alive, dead, or still trapped. The Army has said it will provide updates “as information emerges,”. Fort Stewart’s 3rd Infantry Division offered a brief statement: “Prayers for our Dogface Soldiers.” If the soldiers are found dead, autopsies will likely follow — drowning being the most likely cause, per speculation reported by The Mirror US. If they’re alive, it would be a miracle—and the beginning of a broader investigation into how an M88 could vanish so quickly during routine training. Senator Mark Warner has already pointed fingers, calling the incident “incompetence”. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys told U.S. Senator Marco Rubio this week that the country is ready to host more U.S. troops.