- During the African Lion exercises in Morocco, two U.S. service members have been reported missing.
- U.S. and Moroccan forces are currently conducting search-and-rescue operations in the vicinity of Tan Tan.
- The African Lion, AFRICOM’s most significant annual exercise, is taking place from April 27 to May 8.
WASHINGTON — Two U.S. service members, who were part of the African Lion joint military exercises, have been reported missing near the city of Tan Tan in southern Morocco, according to statements from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces on Sunday.
Search-and-rescue operations have been initiated by U.S., Moroccan, and other allied forces. These operations involve ground, air, and maritime resources, with the aim of locating the missing service members near the training site of Cap Draa, as stated by both militaries in separate announcements.
The Moroccan army has indicated that the service members disappeared in the vicinity of a cliff.
The incident is currently under investigation and the search efforts are ongoing, they further added.
The African Lion is the largest annual joint exercise conducted by the U.S. Africa Command. It is designed to enhance interoperability among U.S. forces, NATO Allies, and African partner nations.
The current edition of the exercise, which runs from April 27 to May 8, is being conducted across four nations: Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.
The majority of the drills are taking place in Morocco, with the participation of approximately 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries, as per AFRICOM.
Agree – It’s concerning that two soldiers went missing during a training exercise. I hope they are found safe.