International Efforts Mobilized to Locate Missing U.S. Soldiers
Over 600 military personnel from various nations are currently engaged in an extensive search operation aimed at locating two U.S. soldiers who have gone missing in Morocco during the U.S.-African military exercises known as 'African Lion 26'. This collaborative effort, which includes forces from the United States, Morocco, and other participating countries, has already covered a substantial area of more than 45 square kilometers, encompassing both coastal and open ocean regions. A U.S. defense official, who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, emphasized that the well-being of the two missing soldiers and their families remains the top priority for all involved.
Reports from Moroccan military sources indicated that several specialized units of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), including the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Navy, the Atlas Hunters, and military engineering teams, have deployed a significant array of land, air, and maritime resources to facilitate ongoing search operations near the cliff at Cap Draa. In addition to these ground efforts, Royal Navy divers are actively conducting searches within caves situated in the vicinity, underscoring the multifaceted approach being taken to locate the missing personnel.
Advanced Technology and Resources Enhance Search Efforts
The maritime component of the search has seen the reassignment of two naval vessels initially involved in the military exercises, namely a Moroccan European multi-mission frigate and a French multipurpose supply vessel, to aid in the search efforts. Furthermore, a U.S. logistics vessel is also contributing to the mission while continuing to support the broader exercises. The aerial search operations are being bolstered by the deployment of advanced aircraft, including a U.S. UC-35 Citation jet, a U.S. Army C-12 Huron, as well as Moroccan Puma and Super Puma helicopters. Additionally, technology companies involved in the exercises have introduced unmanned aerial systems to facilitate monitoring of the search area, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations.
The two U.S. Army soldiers were reported missing last week near the Cap Draa training area, located outside Tan-Tan in southwestern Morocco. According to the Moroccan military, they are believed to have embarked on a recreational hike and may have inadvertently fallen into the Atlantic Ocean. The 'African Lion 26' exercises, which commenced in April and span across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, are the largest joint military exercises in Africa, bringing together over 7,000 military personnel from more than 30 countries. These exercises are scheduled to conclude on Friday, but the search for the missing soldiers remains a critical focus.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
