Lithuanian, Polish troops aid in 'search and recovery' for 4 missing US soldiers from Fort Stewart
The soldiers, based in Fort Stewart in Georgia, were riding in an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle on a scheduled maintenance mission to recover another U.S. Army vehicle in the training area when they disappeared, U.S. Army Europe and Africa public affairs in Wiesbaden, Germany, confirmed.
Hundreds of U.S. and Lithuanian soldiers and law enforcement, Lithuanian military helicopters and dive teams aided in the initial ground-based search through the thick forests and swampy terrain.
However, the soldiers have yet to be located, and the M88 Hercules was found submerged in a body of water inside the training area, located over a highly pressurized gas pipeline near Pabradė, a town north of the capital Vilnius.
In an interview with Fox News Digital Thursday afternoon, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said from the moment the country learned of the incident, it had "given everything" it has, both from its armed forces and internal affairs ministry institutions, to find the soldiers.
"From helicopters with thermal vision to forces on the ground, we are continuing very intensely," Šakalienė said.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa public affairs noted water, thick mud and soft ground around the site "have complicated recovery efforts," requiring specialized equipment to drain water from the side and stabilize the ground.
Polish officials announced Thursday they were sending a group of troops with engineering equipment to assist.
As of Thursday afternoon, officials said land dredging equipment was on the way, and a dam was being reinforced to isolate the mud pumping area.
The pressurized gas has been removed, and it is now safe to work at the site, according to Šakalienė.
The internal water waste agency will send out a water master dredger and more than 900 feet of bulk pipe on Friday morning, and they should reach the the location by midday.
It will take several hours to install the pipeline and the dredgers. Then, they will begin making water influx with the excavator.
"The dredger pump usually pumps 80% of water, while working with 20% of mud or sludge, and the goal is to start working with the pump until the evening, so that, finally, on Saturday morning, a diver and the hydrographic team can use a multi-beam echo founder to assess the position of the vehicle, because we don't know yet if it has overturned or what position it is in," Šakalienė said.
A diver will attach cables, and workers will use pulleys to tow the vehicle to shore.
"Then we will be able to check if the missing soldiers are inside," she said.
Šakalienė said it is unknown if the soldiers could have escaped the vehicle before it sank but reiterated there was "no evidence" confirming the deaths of the missing soldiers as of Thursday afternoon.
The area surrounding the site is a forested area with swamps and bogs, similar to an environment found in Alaska. Weather conditions are also similar, making it a challenging training area for Army personnel.
"Maybe they were lost, confused, hurt or in hypothermic condition, and we haven't found them yet," Šakalienė said. "But we are not losing hope until the very last moment. These are strong soldiers, strong, grown men. All scenarios are possible."
She added Lithuania, a member of NATO, considers American soldiers their own and will not leave them behind.
"We are working with them. We are friends with them, and all of our society is heartbroken watching every single moment of this rescue operation," Šakalienė said. "I have a 24-year-old son. It's difficult for me even to imagine what they are going through. … Let me assure you, we will do everything in our power to find them and to find the answers as soon as possible."
Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed on X a task force of several dozen Polish soldiers with heavy equipment and frogmen were "urgently" heading to Lithuania to help.
"We are responding to a request from our allies #StrongerTogether," Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote in the post.
The country, also a member of NATO, has reportedly feared talks between Russia and Ukraine could end in a settlement that would allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to threaten the region.
Lithuanian officials said they are in touch with U.S. Ambassador Kara C. McDonald and U.S. Army personnel.
"We are leveraging every available U.S. and Lithuanian asset to coordinate and provide the required resources for this effort," U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, the commanding general of 1st Armored Division, wrote in a statement.
The rescue mission has now turned into "search and recovery efforts," according to a statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
"We are incredibly appreciative of the dedicated and professional efforts of our Lithuanian allies in ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel," Taylor added. "They have worked tirelessly alongside us over the last 48 hours, and we continue to be grateful for their support."
The U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division is keeping the soliders' families updated on the search.
"This tragic situation weighs heavily on all of us, and we're keeping the families, friends and teammates of our soldiers and recovery team in our thoughts and prayers," Taylor wrote. "We want everyone to know we will not stop until our soldiers are found."
President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday he had not been briefed about the missing soldiers.
The training site is less than 6 miles from Belarus, a Russian ally since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.
Lithuania, a Catholic country, will be organizing a joint prayer Sunday at its main church, the capital cathedral, and will host a mass for the missing soldiers.
The White House and Fort Stewart did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Geographic
3 hours ago
- National Geographic
80 years later, you can still see the shadow of a Hiroshima bomb victim
In the wake of the blast, these eerie shadows were left etched into surfaces across the city—almost like a photo negative of those who were lost. When the atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, it left behind haunting reminders of people who died in the August 1945 blast. Whoever stood on the steps of Sumitomo Bank at the time of the blast created a shield of sorts against the radiant light and heat that bleached everything in its path. Photograph by Universal History Archive, UniversalIt was business as usual in the morning of August 6, 1945, in Hiroshima, Japan. In the city's financial district, bankers prepared for the day and customers queued up to deposit money or apply for a loan. At 8:15 a.m., someone was either standing or sitting on the steps of Sumitomo Bank when the Enola Gay, a U.S. Army Air Force plane, flew overhead and dropped an atomic bomb that detonated 1,900 feet above the city. Aerial view of the first atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. The Enola Gay dropped the bomb 1,900 feet over the city—unleashing an explosion of intense heat, light, and radiation that washed over the city in a fraction of a second. Photograph Courtesy U.S. Army, A.A.F. photo, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division This official U.S. Army photo shows the devastation in Hiroshima after the bomb. The explosion killed upwards of 80,000 people in a flash and thousands more would die in the subsequent days and months. Photograph Courtesy U.S. Army, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division That person likely died immediately, as the intense heat at the center of the blast would have been in excess of 7,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to swiftly kill anyone. But a shadowy imprint of their body was left scorched onto the stone steps. And this mark wasn't alone: The intensity of the bomb created so-called nuclear shadows throughout the area on the ground beneath the explosion, as if freezing the city in time. Now, 80 years after the bomb, Hiroshima's nuclear shadows remain a chilling, poignant testament to one of the most consequential days in human history. The 10,000-pound atomic bomb that detonated over Hiroshima unleashed a massive amount of energy—the equivalent of around 15,000 tons of TNT—in a fraction of a second. That energy took the form of several things: light, heat, radiation, and pressure. The explosion's intense heat washed over Hiroshima at a pace of 186,000 miles per second and was over as quickly as it had begun, according to the United States Strategic Bombing Survey, an official report on the effects of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The explosion had flash-burned everything within 9,500 feet, charring trees and casting UV light so powerful that it bleached non-combustible surfaces like stone and concrete. This process is what created the nuclear shadows—they aren't the remains of people and things that were destroyed in the blast but rather they were etched like a photo negative in places that had been protected from the destructive path of radiant heat and light. Sumitomo Bank, only 260 meters from the bomb's hypocenter, was one of about 70,000 buildings in Hiroshima that the bomb damaged or obliterated. '[The bank's] reinforced concrete outer walls remained, but most of the interior was completely burned out,' says Ariyuki Fukushima, curator at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. And while the bank's granite steps retained their shape, Fukushima points out that 'the intense heat rays from the atomic bomb caused them to become pale and discolored.' The person who had been on the steps during the explosion shielded a section of them from the heat rays, thus creating the shadow. The same process created shadows of nails, ladders, and other objects on streets and buildings across the city. What Hiroshima's nuclear shadows reveal While most of the nuclear shadows depict inanimate objects, a few of them are believed to represent people who were killed. For example, the Yorozuyo Bridge, 910 meters from the hypocenter, appeared to bear shadows of people who may have been on their way to work or school when they were killed. (The shadows are no longer visible on the bridge, which was later rebuilt.) 'Almost everyone who was within a kilometer was killed,' says Robert Jacobs, emeritus professor of history at the Hiroshima Peace Institute and Hiroshima City University. The shadow of a handle on a gasometer located two kilometers away from the hypocenter of the explosion left an imprint behind. The angle of the nuclear shadows left behind allow scientists who arrived in Hiroshima after Japan's surrender to locate the hypocenter of the explosion. Photograph by AFP, Getty Images The explosion killed upwards of 80,000 people in a flash, and thousands more would die in the subsequent days and months. Among the victims were workers inside Sumitomo Bank. Fukushima notes that only 'three individuals are known to have escaped,' though 'one of them died a few days later.' These shadows also helped scientists solve one major question when they descended on Hiroshima in early September 1945, shortly after Japan's surrender, to study the weapon's effects. The angle of the shadows 'enabled observers to determine the direction toward the center of explosion,' allowing them to locate the bomb's hypocenter 'with considerable accuracy.' The legacy of Hiroshima's nuclear shadows Although we'll never know the stories of those who were killed in the bomb's hypocenter, their shadow endures. In 1971, Sumitomo Bank donated its steps to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where the silhouette remains a haunting symbol of what happened 80 years ago. It is believed to be one of the only remaining nuclear shadows of a person. Indeed, many of the shadows no longer exist given the decades of rebuilding that the city had to do in the wake of the bombing. Still, Jacobs says the shadows remind us of 'the impermanence of humans and civilization.' 'If a person could be reduced to their shadow by a weapon, […] that carries a profoundly existential message to human beings—you and your whole world could be gone in the blink of an eye.' The shadows are also a solemn reminder of the horrors people faced that day in Hiroshima. The white shadow of a man remains on the surface of a bridge in Hiroshima. As the city rebuilt after the bombing, many of the nuclear shadows on its buildings and sidewalks were lost. One famous exception are the Sumitomo Bank steps, which were donated to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Photograph by Keystone-France, Gamma-Keystone/ Getty Images While walking through the ruined city minutes after the bombing, photographer Yoshito Matsushige encountered children who had evacuated their school just before the explosion. 'Having been directly exposed to the heat rays, they were covered with blisters, the size of balls, on their backs, their faces, their shoulders and their arms,' he later recalled. 'The blisters were starting to burst open and their skin hung down like rugs.' These scenes were so horrific that Matsushige couldn't bear to take any photographs. When he 'finally summoned up the courage to take one picture' and then another, he realized 'the view finder was clouded over with my tears.'
New York Post
5 days ago
- New York Post
Ancient Roman soldier's monthly paycheck unearthed in pristine condition
What may have been a Roman soldier's monthly paycheck has emerged from under the ground, officials announced this month. British officials recently unveiled the discovery of a 1,900-year-old Roman coin hoard in the county of Norfolk, England. Advertisement The hoard consists of 25 silver denarii in total, equal to the monthly salary of a Roman legionary — or citizen soldier. Adrian Marsden, a coin specialist for the county, told Fox News Digital the hoard was found in 2023, near the village of Great Ellingham. The numismatist said the cache was found by a lucky metal detectorist, who handed it over to local authorities. The coins were spread throughout the field due to farming activity over the centuries, said Marsden. Advertisement 'We've had a few hoards like this over the years, scattered by the plow and often of a similar size,' he said. 5 British officials recently unveiled the discovery of a 1,900-year-old Roman coin hoard in the county of Norfolk, England. serpeblu – 5 Adrian Marsden, a coin specialist for the county, told Fox News Digital the hoard was found in 2023, near the village of Great Ellingham. Robert – Historians estimate the coins were lost between the 160s and the 170s. Advertisement 'The latest coins [in the hoard] show very little wear and cannot have seen much circulation before the hoard's deposition,' Marsden added. Seven of the denarii depict Emperor Hadrian, while others show the profiles of Emperor Vespasian and Trajan. Two coins feature Marcus Aurelius — one during his time as Caesar, another as emperor. The coins had a variety of reverse types, or symbolic images on their tail sides. One is a personification of Africa, as a celebration of Rome's provinces on the continent. Advertisement 'This was a wealthy agricultural area in the Roman period.' Another artifact was a Judaea Capta coin, minted to commemorate Rome's capture of Judaea and destruction of the Second Jewish Temple. 5 Seven of the denarii depict Emperor Hadrian, while others show the profiles of Emperor Vespasian and Trajan. íâscar – 5 Two coins feature Marcus Aurelius — one during his time as Caesar, another as emperor. Andrew Williams, Norfolk County Council Though an exciting discovery, Marsden noted it's not unusual for the area. 'There are plenty of Roman discoveries in the area, including the occasional small hoard,' he said. 'This was a wealthy agricultural area in the Roman period.' Ancient Romans began settling in Britain in 43 A.D. through an invasion led by Emperor Claudius, after a previous invasion under Julius Caesar failed. Advertisement 5 Ancient Romans began settling in Britain in 43 A.D. through an invasion led by Emperor Claudius, after a previous invasion under Julius Caesar failed. Andrew Williams, Norfolk County Council After nearly four centuries, the Romans began withdrawing in 410 A.D. – but not without leaving remnants behind that are still found today in the U.K. In late May, volunteers at an Ancient Roman fort in Northumberland were shocked after they discovered two different 2,000-year-old shoes. Advertisement In June, a museum in London announced that a giant 'archaeological puzzle' had been solved some 1,800 years after it was left by Roman residents. Fox News Digital's Sophia Compton contributed reporting.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Fox News
Prince William and Prince George to be separated by ‘morbid rule' for monarchy's protection: experts
Prince George recently turned 12 years old, and according to royal experts, one "morbid rule" is now expected to go into effect. Royal protocol advises that George will no longer be allowed to fly with his father, Prince William. Heirs are required to fly separately to preserve the line of succession should an accident occur while they are traveling. William, 43, is heir to the throne. "The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are the future of the royal family," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. "Accidents do happen, and this seems like a sensible precaution which ought to be observed, as it was with King Charles and William during Queen Elizabeth's reign." "There are reports that the king and William, who is a pilot, disagree over this," Fitzwilliams shared. "But it should be necessary to point out that Harry is fifth in line to the throne... and only four working royals are under 70… The need for Prince George as second in line to the throne to fly separately from his father surely makes sense." Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM ADAMANT ABOUT GIVING HIS CHILDREN A NORMAL LIFE: AUTHOR The king's former pilot, Graham Laurie, previously confirmed on "A Right Royal Podcast" that he initially flew Charles, William, Harry and Princess Diana together, but that changed when William turned 12, Us Weekly reported. "After that, he had to have a separate aircraft, and we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty," said Laurie, as quoted by the outlet. "When William became 12, he would fly normally in a 125 from Northolt, and we would fly the 146 out with the other three on." British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard claimed to Fox News Digital that the king had made it known that he expected George to travel separately from his father. She noted that father and son will have to "adjust to the change." "Traditional royal travel protocol expects a future heir to travel separately from their father, especially when 12 years old," Chard explained. "Direct heirs should not fly together. Previous generations left children at home with governesses when traveling. This, however, caused a lot of upset for the children. King Charles can vouch for this; he desperately missed his parents when they were away on tour." Still, Chard said that it's likely George and William will ease into the change. "This important matter is being debated as it could impact the future of the monarchy," she claimed. "Travel arrangements for the heir to the throne are important at any age. And the Wales family have always traveled together… There are many rules, expectations and traditions that the royal family is expected to follow." British royals expert Hilary Fordwich pointed out to Fox News Digital that the rule isn't set in stone. However, she noted that it's a travel protocol that monarchs have taken seriously over the years. "Rules, such as not traveling by plane or car together, now that Prince George is 12, are unwritten but a tradition," she explained. "This ensures that the next in line and heir are not lost. It has, on occasion, been relaxed or bent. Now, with the king's health issues, combined with his advanced age, it is considered extremely important to ensure Prince George's safety." "Prince William and Princess Catherine are adhering to many rules, especially those protecting the succession," Fordwich shared. "But to a certain extent, they've reinterpreted other rules, relaxing or even disregarding others, in an admirable attempt to become a more relatable modern family. Every royal generation has likewise updated traditions, thereby remaining relevant." "The restrictions on William and George flying together are a decades-long edict to ensure continuity should one die in a travel accident," added royal expert Ian Pelham Turner. "Whether this will change or be challenged by William in the future and break decades of tradition is not known," he said. "But these days, with the royal family, that is not uncommon." Royal author Robert Jobson previously wrote in his biography, "Catherine, the Princess of Wales," that the king "raised concerns" with William over his helicopter use with his wife, Kate Middleton, and their three children. William had expressed a strong desire to fly with his entire family. Not only did this reportedly spark a tense disagreement, but the king presented William, an experienced pilot, with "a formal document acknowledging the risks involved and taking full responsibility for his actions." A spokesperson for Kensington Palace, which handles the offices of the Prince and Princess of Wales, didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace declined to comment. "There have been several royals who have perished in plane crashes," Fordwich previously explained to Fox News Digital. "As a result, Queen Elizabeth II was particularly sensitive regarding who could and would be permitted to fly together. Rules were put in place years ago regarding the prohibition of royal heirs from flying together." "Much of the royal protocol was insisted upon by the late Queen Elizabeth II," Chard pointed out. Still, the Prince and Princess of Wales aren't afraid to bend the rules on occasion, she said. "[In the past], Prince George would have endured certain rites of passage," Chard explained. "However, the Prince and Princess of Wales do not agree with some of the old-fashioned traditions, such as the 'blooding ritual,' especially when these traditions are not etched in stone. This makes perfect sense as some expectations, especially trivial and old-fashioned etiquette, are no longer relevant in today's modern world." "A few traditions that the Prince and Princess of Wales have broken tend to be fashion-related. I imagine not complying with some of the protocol is a much-welcomed shift." "The royals are far more touchy-feely these days, selfies are occasionally permitted, especially by William," said Fitzwilliams. "The king is a hugger, and William and Catherine communicate by video. The succession to the throne is pivotal to the future of the monarchy, and the deep rift in the royal family underlines its importance. [Still], George should not fly in the same aircraft as his father." Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," previously told Fox News Digital that once George turned 12, he and his father would mark the beginning of a lifestyle change after the "morbid rule" kicks in. "Starting at age 12, heirs to the throne are required to take air trips separately to preserve the line of succession should an accident occur," said Andersen at the time. "When William turned 12, he began flying in a separate royal jet apart from his father and brother Harry," he shared. "It's a morbid rule, but then again, when they turn 16, all senior royals are also asked to help plan their own funerals."
