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Us Soldier Tank Death: Four American soldiers died in an accident during NATO drill in Lithuania. Major General Christopher Nori described it as disastrous. The rescue operations included the force of many countries.
Recently, a heartbreaking incident caught everyone’s attention during a NATO drill in Lithuania. (Photo AP)
Highlights
- Four American soldiers died during NATO drill in Lithuania.
- The rescue operations included the force of many countries.
- Major General Nori described it as disastrous.
Us Soldier Tank Death: The devastating waves of Russia-Ukraine war are also affecting other parts of Europe. Recently, a heartbreaking incident caught everyone’s attention during a NATO drill in Lithuania. A team of American soldiers who were stationed at the Pabrada training ground near the border of Belarus fell victim to a terrible accident. The incident occurred when the soldiers were inside the M88A2 Hercules vehicle, and suddenly disappeared. The body of the fourth American soldier was eventually recovered in this six -day rescue operation.
In this unfortunate incident, the first three soldiers, Jose Dunez, Junior (25), Edwin Franco (25), and Dante Taitano (21), were identified, whose bodies were found in a peat swamp with his vehicle. The body of the fourth soldier was found on Tuesday, but his name has not been made public yet. Major General Christopher Noori termed this loss as “just destructive” and said, “These people were respected soldiers of Marne Division. We are supporting the families and loved ones of our soldiers in this very difficult time.”
Who carried out rescue operations?
The rescue operation for soldiers was conducted by the US Army, Navy and Lithuanian, Polish and Estonian Armed Forces. Major General Christopher Nori said, “The last week has been destructive. Today our hearts are suffering the burden of unbearable pain… The world has become dark without them.” Lieutenant General Charles Costanza called it an “accident”, but also said that it was humble to see the incredible recovery team coming together from various commands, countries and continents. The investigation of the incident is still going on, and officials said that the discovery was made after the involvement of dogs rescued from Lithuania and neighboring Estonia.
On Monday, the recovery of the Hercules vehicle was a painful process, in which the fleet of armored vehicles cleaned the swamp and took out the submerged tank. Significantly, the M88A2 Hercules are one of the largest military vehicles used by the American armed forces, designed to remove tanks and other vehicles from battlefields. Two more M88A2 Hercules and additional bulldozers were required to remove this huge vehicle.
Major General Curtis Taylor said, “I want to personally appreciate the brave efforts of the search party, and especially our Lithuanian colleagues who played an important role in recovery efforts. His courage and commitment to this operation will always be remembered and it reflects a strong relationship between our countries.” The soldiers were deployed in Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolution in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
