Two U.S. service members have been reported missing in southwestern Morocco while participating in a military exercise. The incident occurred as the soldiers embarked on a recreational hike near the city of Tan Tan on May 2, 2024, during the African Lion 2026 joint military exercise, the largest of its kind conducted by U.S. forces in Africa.
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The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the service members went missing while hiking outside the Cap Draa Training Area. An unnamed defence official indicated that the soldiers, both members of the U.S. Army, were not involved in any training activities at the time. “The day’s exercises had concluded, and to our knowledge, they were out on a recreational hike,” the official clarified.
The search for the missing service members is currently being coordinated between U.S. and Moroccan military personnel. The soldiers were last seen near ocean cliffs in the vicinity of the training area. As concerns grew, the joint search effort commenced when the pair failed to return as expected. Initial reports suggest there is a possibility they may have fallen into the ocean, prompting immediate action from the teams on the ground.
In a statement, AFRICOM emphasised the ongoing investigation into the incident and reinforced that the priority is focused on the safety of the service members and supporting their families during this distressing time. Various nations participating in African Lion 2026 are contributing to the search and rescue efforts, ensuring that all resources are being mobilised to locate the missing soldiers.
The African Lion exercise, which started in Tunisia in April, is set to conclude in early May, featuring over 7,000 personnel from more than 30 countries. The event aims to bolster regional security and enhance the combat readiness of participating forces, with military operations taking place in Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal. This annual exercise has been in existence since 2004 and is viewed as a significant event for U.S. military engagement in the African region.
Prior to this incident, African Lion has seen its share of tragic events. Notably, in 2012, two U.S. Marines lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries following a helicopter crash during the exercise in Agadir, Morocco. Such occurrences raise concerns about the risks associated with military training and operations in foreign terrains.
Military exercises like African Lion are designed to foster international partnerships and improve interoperability among forces from different nations. This year’s drill illustrates the commitment of the U.S. and its allies to work collaboratively in addressing potential global crises.
As the search for the two missing service members continues, military families and the wider community remain hopeful for a positive outcome, reflecting on the seriousness of their service and the challenges faced by active-duty military personnel. Updates regarding the search efforts and the safety of the soldier’s families are anticipated as the incident unfolds.