Four U.S. Soldiers Missing Amid Tactical Training in Lithuania**

A collective search involving U.S. and Lithuanian forces is activated for four missing U.S. soldiers conducting training in eastern Lithuania, emphasizing NATO's commitment to collaboration.**

Four U.S. Army soldiers are currently unaccounted for during a training mission conducted in Lithuania, as reported by military officials on Wednesday. The soldiers, affiliated with the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were engaged in tactical exercises at a designated training site near the city of Pabrade, located close to the Belarusian border.

The U.S. military has initiated a search operation alongside Lithuanian Armed Forces and local law enforcement to locate both the missing soldiers and their military vehicle. The Lithuanian military detailed that the soldiers were reported missing around 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, and search efforts are concentrating on a "potential accident site" using Air Force helicopters and various resources.

Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, who heads the V Corps—a U.S. Army unit tasked with operations along NATO's eastern borders—expressed gratitude for the swift response and collaboration of the Lithuanian military and responders in the search efforts. He highlighted the partnership between the two nations and the shared commitment to assisting each other during crises.

The United States frequently conducts training missions in Lithuania as part of NATO agreements, emphasizing solidarity in the region, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. These exercises often include coordinated efforts with other NATO allies and are crucial for mutual defense strategies, especially given Belarus's close alignment with Russia.