Two US servicemen missing in Morocco during military training exercise

Two US servicemen have gone missing in Morocco during a military military training exercise.

The duo vanished yesterday whilst participating in multinational defence exercises in the African country's southwest, prompting an extensive search operation across multiple domains.

The pair disappeared close to the Cap Draa Training Area, situated near the coastal city of Tan Tan, according to US Africa Command (Africom).

Forces from the US, Morocco and other partner nations have mobilised ground, aerial and maritime resources to locate the missing service members.

An Africom statement said: "The incident remains under investigation and the search is on-going.

"Our focus is on the service members involved and their families."

The Americans were taking part in African Lion 2026, an annual joint exercise running until May 8.

According to the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, the two soldiers went missing in the vicinity of a cliff.

A US defence official said: "Initial reports indicate the two soldiers may have fallen into the ocean."

The Cap Draa site lies close to the Atlantic coastline, and maritime assets form part of the ongoing rescue effort.

Authorities have ruled out any hostile involvement in the disappearance.

"I can confirm this incident is not related to terrorism," the US official stated.

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A separate source with knowledge of the matter told the BBC that investigators believe the incident was accidental rather than a kidnapping or attack.

African Lion represents the largest annual joint military exercise conducted by US forces on the African continent, with this year's edition spanning four nations: Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.

The drills, which commenced on April 27 and conclude on May 8, bring together approximately 5,000 personnel from more than 40 countries alongside over 30 American industry partners.

Morocco hosts the most substantial portion of the exercises.

The programme focuses on all-domain operations, crisis response capabilities and multinational coordination, with the stated objective of enhancing regional security and improving readiness for emergencies.

African Lion has been running annually since 2004 and typically attracts senior military officials from the US and its principal African allies.

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