Two US Service Members Missing During Morocco Military Drills
May 3, 2026 • Al Jazeera
US Military Missing During African Lion Exercise in Morocco
African Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed that two US service members participating in a multinational military exercise in southwestern Morocco have gone missing. The incident occurred on Saturday near the Cap Draa Training Area, close to the city of Tan Tan.
According to AFRICOM, the search and rescue operations are currently underway, involving ground, air, and maritime assets from the US, Morocco, and other participating countries. The exercise, known as African Lion, is an annual joint military event hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia.
The stated aim of African Lion is to enhance interoperability among participants and build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and globally. AFRICOM has launched a formal investigation into the incident and is working closely with local authorities to locate the missing personnel.
As part of the exercise, multiple countries have come together to participate in joint military operations, demonstrating their commitment to regional security and cooperation. The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with all available assets being utilized to ensure the safe recovery of the missing individuals.
Source: Al Jazeera