Three U.S. Army soldiers were found dead in Lithuania, nearly a week after their armored vehicle became stuck in a deep bog during a training mission. The fourth soldier was still missing.
The M88 Hercules, an 70-ton vehicle used for towing and recovery, was pulled out of the bog on Monday morning after days of complex engineering efforts by hundreds of people, including technical experts, U.S. Navy divers, and construction equipment.
The soldiers were from the First Brigade, Third Infantry Division, and were training near Pabrade, Lithuania, when their vehicle became stuck. The missing soldier’s vehicle was found submerged in the bog on Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the Third Infantry Division, said “the search isn’t finished until everyone is home.” He praised those working tirelessly to locate the remaining soldiers, saying their commitment will not rest until all are found.
Rescue efforts were hampered by a landslide last Sunday night, according to Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene. U.S. Navy divers used sonar technology to find the vehicle but face challenges in locating the fourth soldier due to the bog’s peat environment. A grid search is underway.
Lithuania and its NATO allies are critical of Russia for criticizing their hosting of American troops, which has raised concerns about NATO weakening. The incident highlights the value of international cooperation in crisis situations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/world/europe/lithuania-us-army-soldiers-swamp.html