CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — A search operation is currently underway for two missing U.S. soldiers in southwestern Morocco, following their participation in annual multinational military exercises in the North African nation, as reported by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Sunday.
The soldiers, who are members of the Army, reportedly went missing during a recreational hike after the day's training exercises had concluded. A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed to The Associated Press that the soldiers were not engaged in active training at the time of their disappearance.
According to the official, "They were on a recreational hike. The exercises for the day had concluded, and from our understanding, they were enjoying a walk." AFRICOM stated that U.S., Moroccan, and other participating nations in the African Lion maneuvers are conducting a coordinated search and rescue operation.
The Moroccan military reported that the incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Saturday, near the Cap Draa Training Area close to Tan Tan, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain, blending desert landscapes with semi-arid plains.
The search team is utilizing helicopters, boats, mountain rescue units, and divers in their efforts, as noted by the U.S. defense official to the AP. The official further explained, "The soldiers were last seen near the ocean cliffs in the vicinity of the Cap Draa Training Area during a scheduled exercise. When they did not return as expected, U.S. and Moroccan personnel immediately initiated a joint search effort."
The African Lion exercise commenced in April and spans four countries, including Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, with an anticipated conclusion in early May. The exercise kicked off in Tunisia and involves active-duty members from various branches of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
Overall, more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations are participating across the four host countries. African Lion, which has been held annually since 2004, represents the largest joint military exercise conducted by the U.S. on the continent, often featuring high-ranking military officials from both the U.S. and its key African allies.
U.S. military officials have emphasized that this annual multinational commitment serves as a platform to enhance regional security cooperation and improve the readiness of participating forces in response to global crises. Notably, in 2012, two U.S. Marines lost their lives and two others were injured in a helicopter accident in the southern Moroccan city of Agadir while taking part in African Lion.
Morocco stands as a crucial ally of the United States in a volatile region. Since 2020, disillusioned military officials have overthrown democratically elected governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to concerns over their effectiveness in curbing violence, leading to a growing estrangement from Western powers.
As reported by houstonchronicle.com.
