WIESBADEN, Germany (WSAV) -- The NATO Acting spokesperson said that the Secretary General was referring to news articles and did not confirm the death of four U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division soldiers reported missing in Lithuania Wednesday. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly told the A ssociated Press that he received word of the four soldiers' deaths during a trip to Warsaw. NATO Acting Spokesperson Allison Hart said he was" referring to news reports that had just emerged." "He did not confirm the death of the four U.S. soldiers, but noted that the details remain unconfirmed," Hart said. According to the Associated Press, a U.S. official would say only that the four soldiers were involved in a training accident. The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident in a training area near Pabradė.  A US Army Europe and Africa spokesperson (USAREUR-AF) said that the armored recovery vehicle that the four missing Soldiers were operating has been located in Lithuania. "The vehicle was discovered submerged in a body of water in a training area after a search by U.S. Army, Lithuanian Armed Forces and other Lithuanian authorities," the spokesperson said. Although the Rutte reportedly told the AP that the soldiers died, a Fort Stewart spokesperson told WSAV that the four soldiers' deaths have not been confirmed. They shared a statement from a USAREUR-AF regarding Rutte confirmation: "The NATO Secretary General from the AP piece was stating that he has seen reporting. At this time, we are not able to confirm the Soldiers have been located. We will send you releases as we have them." The Fort Stewart spokesperson also told WSAV that they are trying to be mindful of the soldiers' families. Rutte said that his thoughts were with their families and with the United States. “The news came out about four American soldiers who were killed in an incident in Lithuania. This is still early news so we do not know the details. This is really terrible news and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones,” Rutte said. A search was conducted by the U.S. Army, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lithuanian law enforcement and others. “I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the V Corps commanding general. “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.” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp released a statement on X Wednesday evening: "Marty, the girls, and I join the entire nation and their families in mourning the loss of 4 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while stationed abroad. We pray for their loved ones and fellow soldiers, and ask all Georgians to join us in asking for God’s protection of all our Armed Forces." Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger posted on X Wednesday: "Tricia and I are praying for the Fort Stewart soldiers killed during a training exercise in Lithuania. Their service and sacrifice represents the highest values of our State and Nation." Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) released a statement Wednesday but told WSAV that he deleted it due to new information. He provided WSAV with a new statement: "Please join me in prayers for the 3rd ID soldiers missing in Lithuania. As we await more information, our love and support goes out to all those impacted by this tragic situation." WSAV News 3 will update this story as details become available. ...read more read less