A multinational search was continuing off Morocco’s south-western coast on Wednesday for two U.S. Army soldiers who went missing over the weekend near the Cap Draa Training Area during the annual African Lion 2026 exercise, U.S. Africa Command said. AFRICOM said the soldiers disappeared on Saturday and that the incident remains under investigation, with U.S., Moroccan and other partner forces using air, land and maritime assets in the rescue effort.
Associated Press reported that the two soldiers were last seen during a recreational hike near ocean cliffs after the day’s training had ended, and that officials believe they may have fallen or been swept into the Atlantic. Reports carried by several outlets say one soldier appears to have gone into the water after another fell, while a third service member entered the ocean in an attempted rescue and managed to return safely. AFRICOM has not publicly confirmed those specific details, but officials have ruled out any link to terrorism. The search operation has expanded significantly. AP said more than 600 military personnel from the United States, Morocco and other participating countries are involved, covering more than 45 square kilometers of land and sea. Resources include helicopters, ships, military divers, mountain rescue teams, canine units and unmanned aerial systems.
African Lion is AFRICOM’s largest annual military exercise in Africa. This year’s drills involve more than 7,000 troops from over 30 countries and are taking place across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal, with activities due to conclude in early May. The exercise is designed to improve interoperability among U.S. forces, African partner nations and NATO allies across land, air, sea, cyber and space domains.
