Two US service members went missing on 2 May near the Cap Draa training area near Tan Tan, Morocco, during African Lion 2026, a multinational military exercise, and a search is under way. [1, 2]
The service members were last seen near ocean cliffs in the area, and initial reports said they may have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean. [1, 2] A US defense official said, "Initial reports indicate the two soldiers may have fallen into the ocean," while also saying, "I can confirm this incident is not related to terrorism." [2]
Africom said the incident remains under investigation and the search and rescue effort includes US, Moroccan and other forces. [1, 2] Officials believe the case was an accident and not an act of terrorism or kidnapping, according to the reports. [1, 2]
African Lion 2026 runs from 27 April to 8 May and involves about 5,000 personnel from more than 40 countries, along with more than 30 US-based industry partners. [1] The exercise is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia and is described by the sources as the largest annual joint military exercise in Africa. [1, 2]
Africom said on Sunday that the incident remains under investigation and the search is ongoing. [1, 2]
