Search operations are intensifying in Morocco following the disappearance of two U.S. service members on May 2, 2026, in the country’s southwest, where they were taking part in the multinational military exercise “African Lion 2026.” With no confirmed sightings since their disappearance, Moroccan and American authorities have significantly increased the resources deployed to locate them.
According to available information, the two soldiers were last seen near the Cap Draa training area, close to the coastal city of Tan-Tan. The region is known for its rugged terrain, combining cliffs, desert landscapes, and the Atlantic coastline. Reports indicate that the soldiers may have gone on a hike outside official military activities, making it more difficult to determine the exact circumstances of their disappearance.
In response, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces have expanded search efforts, deploying substantial human and logistical resources. Specialized search-and-rescue units have been working շուրջ the clock, supported by helicopters, naval vessels, divers, and mountain rescue teams.
The scale of the operation is significant: more than 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco, and other participating nations are involved. The search covers an extensive area of over 45 square kilometers, including hard-to-access land zones and maritime areas, with teams exploring coastal cliffs and even underwater caves.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the soldiers may have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean, given the area’s geography and initial findings. However, no official confirmation has been made, and investigations continue alongside field operations.
The incident occurred during the “African Lion” exercise, considered the largest annual U.S.-led military training operation on the African continent. The 2026 edition brings together thousands of troops from dozens of countries, with activities taking place in Morocco as well as in Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal.
Despite the continuation of military exercises, priority remains focused on locating the missing personnel. U.S. officials have emphasized that the safety of their troops and support for their families remain paramount, while international cooperation continues to strengthen in an effort to maximize the chances of finding them.
