A multinational search involving more than 600 personnel continues along Morocco’s Atlantic coast for two missing American soldiers servicemembers deployed during exercises.
Search operations span caves, open waters and rugged shoreline near Cap Draa, outside Tan-Tan in southwestern Morocco authorities said Wednesday.
Authorities say the soldiers disappeared during a recreational hike and may have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean nearby last week.
The search has entered its fifth day as the African Lion 26 military exercises approach their scheduled conclusion this week.
African Lion 26 spans Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal with over 7,000 troops from more than 30 nations participating forces involved.
Video released by the Moroccan Navy shows divers, aircraft and canine teams sweeping caves and rocky shoreline areas intensely coordinated.
Several naval and air assets have been redirected, including Moroccan and French vessels assisting the search ongoing maritime effort.
Aircraft deployed include U.S. UC-35 Citation, C-12 Huron, and Moroccan Puma and Super Puma helicopters supporting extensive aerial sweep operations.
Unmanned aerial systems from participating technology firms are providing surveillance across the vast search zone assisting real-time coordination efforts ongoing.
Officials say the safety and recovery of the soldiers remains the top priority for all involved forces amid ongoing efforts.