Search Underway After Two U.S. Troops Missing In Morocco
U.S., Moroccan and partner forces are searching for two soldiers last seen near ocean cliffs at the Cap Draa Training Area during African Lion 2026.
CBS NewsSearch underway for 2 U.S. service members missing amid training exercise in Morocco
BBC NewsTwo US service members reported missing in Morocco, officials say
RedStateSearch Underway Now for Two Missing US Troops After Morocco Military Drills
Military Times2 US troops reported missing amid African Lion exercise
Overview
U.S. and Moroccan forces launched a search-and-rescue after two U.S. service members were reported missing near ocean cliffs by the Cap Draa Training Area, officials said.
The personnel were last seen on Saturday and may have fallen into the ocean during African Lion 2026, an annual joint exercise running from April 27 to May 8, officials said.
Ground, air and maritime assets from the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, U.S. forces and other exercise participants, including helicopters, planes and drones, are involved in the coordinated search, the militaries said.
The drills involve roughly 5,000 to more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 to over 40 countries across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, officials said.
A defense official said both missing service members were U.S. Army soldiers; the incident remains under investigation, the search is ongoing, and names have not been released.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally: they rely on official statements (Africom's search update, a US official telling the BBC that an accident is suspected), provide factual details about African Lion exercises and ongoing search efforts, and avoid loaded language or speculative narratives, focusing on verification and public safety.