Two U.S. service members are missing in southwestern Morocco after taking part in the African Lion military exercise. A comprehensive search and rescue operation, involving the U.S., Morocco, and other participating nations, has been launched.

Search Operation Underway

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the disappearance on Sunday. The incident occurred Saturday evening around 9:00 PM local time near the Cap Draa Training Area, close to Tan Tan and the Atlantic Ocean.

Challenging Terrain

Search efforts are complicated by the rugged, mountainous, and desert terrain of the area. This landscape requires a meticulous and thorough search strategy.

About African Lion

The African Lion exercise, a large-scale multinational military exercise, began in April and is being held across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal. It is scheduled to conclude in early May.

Exercise Details

Over 7,000 personnel from more than 30 nations are participating in the 20th iteration of African Lion, making it the largest U.S. annual joint military exercise in Africa. The exercise aims to strengthen regional security cooperation and enhance preparedness for global crises.

AFRICOM has not yet released details regarding the service members’ unit affiliations or branches of service. The Associated Press has requested this information.

Past Incidents & Regional Importance

This is not the first incident during the exercise; a 2012 helicopter crash in Agadir, Morocco, resulted in the deaths of two U.S. Marines. Morocco is a key U.S. ally in a region facing instability, particularly with recent political changes in the Sahel region.

The search for the missing service members continues, with all available resources being utilized. Updates will be provided as they become available. An unrelated manslaughter case in California is not connected to this incident.