Two U.S. Soldiers Missing During Military Exercise in Morocco
Al Jazeera Staff
Two U.S. soldiers have gone missing near the Cap Draa training area in southwestern Morocco during the multinational African Lion military exercise. AFRICOM stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, involving forces from the United States, Morocco, and other partner nations. The incident is under investigation.
According to a statement from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Sunday (May 27), two American soldiers went missing on Saturday near the Cap Draa training area, close to the city of Tan Tan in southwestern Morocco. The two service members were taking part in the multinational military exercise African Lion.
AFRICOM said the incident is under investigation and search efforts continue. Search and rescue teams have been deployed with participation from the United States, Morocco, and other nations involved in the exercise, using ground, air, and maritime assets.
African Lion is the largest annual joint military exercise conducted by the U.S. on the African continent. The exercise is hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, and its stated aim is to enhance 'interoperability among participants and build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and around the world.'