US Military Searches for Missing Soldiers in Morocco
A significant search operation is currently being conducted by the US Army in Morocco following the report of two missing soldiers during an international military exercise. According to announcements made by both the US Army and Moroccan military forces on Sunday, the soldiers were last seen on Saturday evening in the southern region of Morocco, specifically near a cliff at Cap Draa in Tan-Tan. The coordinated search involves not only Moroccan troops but also US forces and units from other participating nations, utilizing ground, air, and naval resources in their efforts to locate the missing personnel.
The US Army's Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, has confirmed the disappearance and is actively investigating the incident while the search continues. This military operation, known as "African Lion 2026," commenced in late April in the Moroccan city of Agadir and is expected to run until May 8, featuring nearly 5,000 military participants from over 40 countries.
Trump Announces Further Troop Reductions from Germany
In a related development, President Donald Trump has declared intentions to further reduce the US military presence in Germany beyond previously announced numbers. Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump stated, "We will significantly reduce the numbers, much more than the 5,000 US soldiers already announced." This remark came after the US Department of Defense had ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 soldiers from Germany, raising concerns among leading Republican figures regarding the implications of such a reduction on US deterrence capabilities.
Additionally, the Cuban government has condemned Trump's recent threats against the nation, labeling them as dangerous and unprecedented. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized the militaristic rhetoric, urging the international community to denounce what he described as a drastic and criminal act. He emphasized that no aggressor, regardless of their power, would find capitulation in Cuba.
In other news, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a cleric from El Salvador, as the new Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia, following the acceptance of Bishop Mark E. Brennan's resignation. Menjivar-Ayala, who immigrated to the US in 1990, expressed his commitment to engaging with youth, workers, and migrants in his new role.
Meanwhile, amid Trump's announcement of higher tariffs on automobiles from the European Union, he has made serious accusations against German automakers, claiming they have not adhered to trade agreements. He stated that the tariff rate would increase to 25 percent due to violations by the EU, which he did not specify but suggested were significant enough to warrant such action. This announcement follows his recent criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to focus on resolving the Ukraine conflict rather than interfering in Iranian affairs.
As reported by t-online.de.
