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Search Intensifies for Two Missing US Soldiers During Morocco Exercise
(MENAFN) A coordinated multinational search effort is underway in Morocco after two US Army personnel went missing near the country’s Atlantic coastline during a major military exercise.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that American, Moroccan, and other partner forces have launched an extensive rescue mission involving land, air, and sea assets. More than 600 personnel are currently involved in the operation, focusing their efforts around the Cap Draa training zone near Tan-Tan in southwestern Morocco, as stated by reports.
The soldiers disappeared late last week during the African Lion 2026 drills, a large-scale exercise jointly led by AFRICOM and Moroccan forces. According to information shared by officials, the two servicemen were believed to have left the training environment after scheduled activities had ended and were on a recreational hike at the time.
“They were not actively taking part in any training. The day’s exercises had concluded, and, from our understanding, they were out on a recreational hike,” the official said. “Our two soldiers and their families remain our absolute priority.”
Authorities emphasized that the situation remains under investigation, according to AFRICOM, with no confirmed cause identified so far.
The missing personnel were last observed near coastal cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, as reported by various accounts. A US defense official noted that the case was “not terrorism-related.”
Further details indicate that one of the soldiers entered the water around 9 pm local time and was unable to swim. Fellow members of the group reportedly attempted a rescue, but were unsuccessful. A second soldier then entered the water in an attempt to assist but was struck by a wave.
The African Lion 2026 exercise runs from April 27 to May 8 and spans Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Ghana. In Morocco alone, roughly 5,000 participants from more than 40 countries, along with over 30 US-based industry partners, are taking part, according to reports.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that American, Moroccan, and other partner forces have launched an extensive rescue mission involving land, air, and sea assets. More than 600 personnel are currently involved in the operation, focusing their efforts around the Cap Draa training zone near Tan-Tan in southwestern Morocco, as stated by reports.
The soldiers disappeared late last week during the African Lion 2026 drills, a large-scale exercise jointly led by AFRICOM and Moroccan forces. According to information shared by officials, the two servicemen were believed to have left the training environment after scheduled activities had ended and were on a recreational hike at the time.
“They were not actively taking part in any training. The day’s exercises had concluded, and, from our understanding, they were out on a recreational hike,” the official said. “Our two soldiers and their families remain our absolute priority.”
Authorities emphasized that the situation remains under investigation, according to AFRICOM, with no confirmed cause identified so far.
The missing personnel were last observed near coastal cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, as reported by various accounts. A US defense official noted that the case was “not terrorism-related.”
Further details indicate that one of the soldiers entered the water around 9 pm local time and was unable to swim. Fellow members of the group reportedly attempted a rescue, but were unsuccessful. A second soldier then entered the water in an attempt to assist but was struck by a wave.
The African Lion 2026 exercise runs from April 27 to May 8 and spans Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Ghana. In Morocco alone, roughly 5,000 participants from more than 40 countries, along with over 30 US-based industry partners, are taking part, according to reports.
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