Two U.S. service members have been reported missing during the multinational African Lion military exercises in southern Morocco, according to United States Africa Command and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces.
The troops disappeared near the coastal city of Tan-Tan, close to the Cap Draa training area, where joint drills are underway. Moroccan authorities said the service members were last seen near a cliff.
Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with U.S., Moroccan and partner forces deploying ground, air and maritime assets in a coordinated effort to locate the missing personnel.
Both militaries said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
African Lion is AFRICOM’s largest annual military exercise, designed to strengthen coordination and interoperability between U.S. forces, NATO allies and African partner nations.
This year’s drills, running from April 27 to May 8, are being held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia. The largest component is taking place in Morocco, involving around 5,000 personnel from more than 40 countries.