Two U.S. Service Members Missing During African Lion Military Exercises

Two U.S. service members have gone missing during the African Lion military exercises near Tan Tan, Morocco. Coordinated search efforts by U.S., Moroccan, and partner forces are underway. Initial reports suggest they may have fallen into the ocean. The exercises aim to enhance military interoperability.

Two U.S. service members were reported missing during the African Lion joint military exercises near Tan Tan in southern Morocco, according to both U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces.

In response, U.S., Moroccan, and other partner forces have initiated search-and-rescue operations using ground, air, and maritime resources to locate the service members near Cap Draa, a training site. Separate military statements confirmed efforts are ongoing. The Moroccan army indicated the soldiers disappeared near a cliff.

Initial reports suggest the soldiers might have fallen into the ocean, a U.S. defense official relayed to Reuters, explicitly clarifying that the incident is unrelated to terrorism. African Lion, the largest annual exercise hosted by U.S. Africa Command, aims to enhance interoperability among U.S. forces, NATO Allies, and African partner nations. This year's exercises, involving 5,000 personnel from 40 countries, occur in Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, with Morocco hosting the largest drills.