Two US troops disappear in Morocco, during African Lion military exercise, search underway

Two United States service members are missing in south-western Morocco after taking part in multinational military exercises near the Atlantic coast, according to the United States Africa Command.

Africom said search and rescue operations are under way involving US, Moroccan and allied forces participating in the annual African Lion military drills.

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“The incident remains under investigation and the search is on-going,” Africom said in a statement.

The incident reportedly happened on 2 May near the Cap Draa training area close to Tan Tan. Moroccan military officials said the service members disappeared near a cliff.

“Initial reports indicate the two soldiers may have fallen into the ocean. I can confirm this incident is not related to terrorism,” a US defence official told Reuters by email.

African Lion is the largest annual joint military exercise led by the United States in Africa. The drills, which began in 2004, involve troops from multiple countries and are designed to improve military coordination and regional security cooperation.

This year’s operation began in April and spans several African nations, including Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal. The exercise is expected to conclude in early May.