US president thanks Lithuania for US troop rescue operation in Pabrade

VILNIUS - US President Donald Trump has expressed his gratitude to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, the Lithuanian government, national services, and the people of Lithuania for the search and rescue operation conducted near the General Silvestras Zukauskas Training Area in Pabrade after four US soldiers went missing during a military training exercise on March 25, the Lithuanian presidential office said on Thursday.

"On behalf of the American people, the families of our fallen, and our military, we thank you and the great people of Lithuania for your heartfelt condolences for the loss of our soldiers during training in Pabradė. We are grateful to the Lithuanian servicemembers who went above and beyond the call of duty to help recover our soldiers and get them home," President Trump wrote in his message of gratitude.

The US president thanked the Lithuanian nation for the care, devotion, and responsiveness during this tragedy, adding that this tragedy touched many but also made both countries grow stronger together.

Four US soldiers driving an M88 Hercules armored personnel carrier went missing during a training exercise at the Pabrade training area on March 25. The search and rescue operation lasted a week and involved Lithuanian, US, Polish, Estonian troops, officials and civilians.

The vehicle with the bodies of the three soldiers was recovered from the swamp on March 31, and the fourth drowned soldier was found the next day.