Four US soldiers and a tank go missing during training exercise in Lithuania

'Search and recovery efforts' are underway after four US Army soldiers vanished during a training exercise near Lithuania’s border with Belarus.

Both the US military and the Baltic nation's forces are working to find the missing men, it was announced on Wednesday (26 March).

The troops were taking part in planned tactical training when they disappeared in an area near Pabrade, in the east of the country.

In a post on X, the US Embassy explained that the soldiers were all from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.

The statement said: "Four U.S. Army Soldiers are currently missing in Lithuania in a training area near Pabradė.

Four US soldiers have vanished during a training exercise in Lithuania (Getty Stock Images)

"A search is being conducted by U.S. Army, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lithuanian law enforcement and others.

"Search and recovery efforts are underway.

"The Soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident."

Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the V Corps commanding general praised Lithuania for their speedy response to the situation.

"I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations," he said.

"It’s this kind of teamwork and support that exemplifies the importance of our partnership and our humanity regardless of what flags we wear on our shoulders."

The four soldiers and a vehicle were first reported missing on Tuesday (25 March), according to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, as per The Independent.