Story perspectives

Second Black Soldier Recovered in Morocco After 11-Day Search

5/15/2026

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U.S. Army Recovers

The second Black U.S. service member lost during the African Lion 2026 exercise was recovered from a coastal cave in Morocco.
U.S. recovered Specialist Mariyah Symone Collington’s remains after she and 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. vanished near Cap Draa.
The 11-day search spanned 21,300 square kilometers, using U.S., Moroccan and French assets plus mountaineers.
The Army said operation is under investigation while families receive support and remains fly home.

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Moroccan Forces Recover

She was promoted to specialist on May 1, just one day before disappearing.
Mariyah Symone Collington’s remains were recovered in Morocco after she fell from cliff near Cap Draa Training Area African Lion 2026.
Moroccan forces airlifted her body by helicopter to Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmim.
The search used helicopters, naval vessels, AI tools to map currents, involving over 1,000 personnel.

History

Historical Context

The African Lion exercise launched in 2004 as a U.S.–Morocco drill and has become the largest U.S.-led annual military exercise in Africa, involving more than 7,000 troops by 2021. In 2026, the disappearance of Specialist Mariyah Collington and 1st Lt. Kendrick Key near Cap Draa prompted a joint U.S., Moroccan and French rescue using AI mapping and over 1,000 personnel, underscoring the partnership’s ongoing readiness.

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U.S. Army Recovers

The second Black U.S. service member lost during the African Lion 2026 exercise was recovered from a coastal cave in Morocco.
U.S. recovered Specialist Mariyah Symone Collington’s remains after she and 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. vanished near Cap Draa.
The 11-day search spanned 21,300 square kilometers, using U.S., Moroccan and French assets plus mountaineers.
The Army said operation is under investigation while families receive support and remains fly home.

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