Authorities Looking for Two Missing American Service Members in Morocco

Search and Rescue Operation Underway in Morocco

A search and rescue mission has been initiated after two U.S. service members went missing during a military exercise in Morocco on Saturday.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that investigations are ongoing and officials are actively pursuing leads on the missing personnel, as reported by the Associated Press.

As per AFRICOM’s announcement, the service members were taking part in the African Lion 2026 exercise when they went missing near the Cap Draa training area, close to the town of Tintin.

“A coordinated search and rescue effort involving ground, air, and sea units from the United States, Morocco, and other African Lion forces commenced immediately,” a spokesperson said. “Our primary concern is for the well-being of the service members and their families.”

Moroccan military officials indicated that the incident transpired around 9 p.m. in a region that features both mountainous and desert terrains.

The wargaming exercise, which started in April, spans four countries—Tunisia, Ghana, Senegal, and Morocco—and is expected to wrap up in early May. Although details regarding the specific unit or branch of the two missing service members have not been revealed, participants include members from the U.S. National Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

On the day of the training, while search and rescue operations were ongoing, reporters embedded with the U.S. military noted that a headcount was being conducted. Sounds of helicopters filled the night air as the search unfolded, with various aircraft and drones observed in the coastal vicinity the following morning. The missing individuals were reportedly involved in an “accident” not directly connected to the exercise.

The African Lion training exercise assembles thousands of troops from the U.S., African nations, and NATO allies to enhance skills in modern warfare across multiple domains, including land, air, sea, cyber, and space.

This year, more than 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries are participating, with an emphasis on integrating advanced technologies like drones, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence.