A search and rescue operation is underway off the southern coast of Morocco for two U.S. Army soldiers who went missing near the Cap Draa Training Area. The incident occurred following the conclusion of the day’s activities during the annual African Lion joint military exercises.
Incident Details
According to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and defense officials, the soldiers went missing on Saturday, April 26, around 9 p.m. local time. The soldiers were not engaged in active training at the time. Reports indicate that a group of service members was hiking to watch a sunset near ocean cliffs at the Cap Draa Training Area.
A soldier fell into the water, prompting a rescue attempt. Nearby service members formed a human chain with belts in an attempt to reach the individual. A second soldier, aware that the first could not swim, jumped into the water but was immediately struck by a wave. A third soldier entered the water to assist but was unable to save the other two; this soldier returned to shore safely. Initial reports from AFRICOM state that no foul play is suspected.
Search and Rescue Operation
Ground teams, aerial assets, and maritime elements from the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces, and other participating nations in African Lion are involved in the search. Assets include helicopters, ships, drones, divers, and mountain rescue units. The exercise was halted on Sunday as resources were redirected to the rescue operation. The search has been ongoing for three days along Morocco’s southern coast. The incident remains under investigation.
Background on African Lion
African Lion is the largest annual joint military exercise led by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). This year’s iteration involves over 7,000 personnel from more than 30 nations, including Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise, running since 2004, is designed to enhance interoperability among participants and build readiness for crisis response. It involves training across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
The Cap Draa Training Area is located near Tan Tan in southwestern Morocco, a region where the Sahara Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean.