In a troubling development during the annual multinational military exercises in Morocco, two U.S. Army soldiers have been reported missing in the southwestern region of the country. This incident was confirmed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Sunday, as the search and rescue operations commenced shortly after their disappearance. According to a defense official, who spoke to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity, the soldiers were not engaged in any active training at the time of their disappearance; rather, they had concluded their exercises for the day and were on a recreational hike when they went missing.
The situation unfolded on Saturday evening around 9 p.m. near the Cap Draa Training Area in Tan Tan, an area characterized by its mountainous terrain, blending both desert and semi-desert landscapes that border the Atlantic Ocean. Initial reports indicate that the missing soldiers were last seen near ocean cliffs during their scheduled training. When they failed to return as anticipated, U.S. and Moroccan military personnel promptly initiated a joint search operation. The efforts involve a diverse array of resources, including helicopters, ships, mountain rescue units, and divers, all tasked with locating the service members.
The ongoing African Lion exercise, which commenced in April, has drawn participation from over 7,000 military personnel from more than 30 nations across four host countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal. This year’s exercises are set to conclude in early May. Historically, African Lion has been recognized as the largest annual joint military exercise conducted by the U.S. on the African continent since its inception in 2004, aimed at enhancing regional security cooperation and preparing forces for potential global crises. Notably, the exercise began in Tunisia, involving active-duty members from various branches of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
It is important to note that this is not the first incident of its kind during the African Lion exercises; in 2012, two U.S. Marines tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Agadir, Morocco, while participating in the same military drills. Morocco serves as a critical ally for the United States in a region fraught with instability, particularly as military officers in neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have recently overthrown democratically elected governments, distancing themselves from Western influences.
As reported by ky3.com.
