Two U.S. Army soldiers have gone missing in southwestern Morocco after taking part in the African Lion multinational military exercises, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area, close to Tan-Tan and the Atlantic Ocean.
Key Takeaways
Two U.S. Army soldiers went missing after multinational military exercises in southwestern Morocco. A joint search-and-rescue operation is underway involving ground, air, and maritime assets from multiple countries.
- Two U.S. soldiers missing near Cap Draa Training Area
- Search involves U.S., Moroccan forces with helicopters, ships, divers
- Soldiers were on unauthorized hike when they disappeared
- African Lion exercise includes 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations across four countries
A search-and-rescue operation involving ground, air, and maritime assets is currently underway with contributions from U.S., Moroccan, and other allied forces. The missing personnel were last seen near ocean cliffs in the training area, adding complexity to the ongoing efforts. According to UPI, the soldiers may have slipped off a cliff into the ocean while on an unauthorized hike.
The incident happened around 9 p.m., according to the Moroccan military, and involved personnel who were not actively participating in training exercises at the time but were instead on a recreational hike. The terrain is described as mountainous, with a mix of desert and semidesert plains.
As reported by Reuters, this year's African Lion exercise involves approximately 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries. However, according to the latest update from PBS, over 7,000 personnel from more than 30 nations are participating across four host countries: Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercises run from April 27 to May 8.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has emphasized that the focus remains on locating the missing service members and supporting their families. According to Al Jazeera, AFRICOM confirmed that the search for the missing personnel is ongoing. The exercises are crucial for enhancing regional security cooperation and preparing forces for global crises.
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