Two U.S. Service Members Missing During African Lion Exercise in Morocco

On May 2, 2026, two United States service members disappeared near the Cap Draa training area, about 20 miles from the Atlantic coast and close to Tan Tan in southwestern Morocco. The loss occurred during the African Lion joint exercise, which involves U.S., Moroccan and other partner forces. AFRICOM deployed ground, air and maritime assets for a coordinated search-and-rescue. The service members’ branch or unit has not been disclosed, and the investigation remains open.

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African Lion, first launched in 2004, is the United States Africa Command’s largest annual multinational drill in Africa. The 2026 edition spanned Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia from April 27 to early May. Its stated purpose is to improve interoperability among U.S. forces, NATO allies and African partners, and to sharpen readiness for global crises.

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The 2026 drill involved more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations, including U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps members. Moroccan forces operated in a mountainous zone that mixes desert and semi-desert plains, terrain noted for navigation challenges.

AFRICOM indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that search efforts continue. The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces reported the personnel vanished near a cliff. Both commands pledged to share further details as they become available and stressed concern for the missing service members and their families.

The Jerusalem Post

The disappearance has revived calls for tighter safety oversight in large drills. Analysts cite the 2012 African Lion helicopter crash that killed two U.S. Marines as a reminder of lingering risks, urging better coordination in complex terrain.

U.S. Troops Missing in Morocco During Military Drill — Search Operation Intensifies

All sources agree the incident occurred on May 2 near Cap Draa, but one report mistakenly cited a May 31, 2024 event, creating a minor inconsistency. No official source has identified the missing personnel’s branch or unit.

U.S. Troops Missing in Morocco During Military Drill — Search Operation Intensifies

Searches continue under AFRICOM, the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces and partners. Observers await AFRICOM briefings for cause determination and possible adjustments to future African Lion drills.

The Jerusalem Post

• “The incident remains under investigation and the search is ongoing,” — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)

New York Post

• “Two U.S. service members participating in African Lion 2026 were reported missing near the Cap Draa Training Area, near the city of Tan Tan, Morocco, May 2, 2026,” — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (X post)

Daily Wire

• “Two US service members participating in the African Lion joint military exercises were reported missing near the city of Tan Tan in southern Morocco, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces said on Sunday.” — Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (statement)

The Jerusalem Post

• “U.S., Moroccan and other assets from African Lion immediately initiated coordinated search and rescue operations, including ground, air, and maritime assets,” — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)

Daily Wire