Over 600 Personnel Mobilized in Search Effort
In a significant international effort, over 600 military personnel from various nations are engaged in a search operation for two U.S. soldiers who disappeared off the Moroccan coast during the U.S.-African military exercises known as African Lion. This extensive search, which has now entered its fifth day, is focused on the underwater caves and the Atlantic coastline near the Cap Draa training area, situated close to Tan-Tan, a coastal city in southwestern Morocco. According to the Moroccan military, the two soldiers are believed to have gone missing following a recreational hike, with authorities suggesting they may have fallen into the ocean.
Comprehensive Search Operations Underway
The search involves personnel from the United States, Morocco, and other participating nations in the African Lion drills, which have covered more than 45 square kilometers of coastal waters and open ocean. A U.S. defense official shared that the well-being of the missing soldiers and their families remains a top priority, highlighting the seriousness of the operation. The soldiers were part of African Lion 26, a large-scale U.S.-led military exercise that commenced in April, spanning four countries—Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal—with a total of over 7,000 military members from more than 30 countries. This exercise, which is set to conclude on Friday, has been recognized as the largest joint military operation conducted by the U.S. in Africa since its inception in 2004.
In an effort to locate the missing soldiers, the Moroccan Navy has released footage showcasing military divers exploring underwater caves, alongside aircraft scanning the ocean surface. Ground teams, including uniformed personnel and specially trained canine units, are meticulously combing the rocky shorelines. Moreover, two vessels from the maritime training units involved in the exercise have been redirected to assist in the search, including a Moroccan-European multi-mission frigate and a French multipurpose supply vessel. A U.S. logistics vessel is also aiding in the search while maintaining its role in the ongoing military exercise. Various aviation assets are at work, including a U.S. UC-35 Citation jet, a U.S. Army C-12 Huron aircraft, as well as Moroccan Puma and Super Puma helicopters. Additionally, several technology vendors participating in the exercise have deployed unmanned aerial systems to enhance surveillance capabilities across the search area.
As reported by wral.com.
