Two U.S. soldiers missing after military exercises in Morocco

Two U.S. service members are missing in southern Morocco after taking part in African Lion 2026, with U.S., Moroccan and partner forces carrying out a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

U.S. Africa Command said the two personnel were reported missing near the Cap Draa training area outside Tan-Tan on May 2. AFRICOM said the search involves ground, air and maritime assets.

What happened

Reuters and AP reporting say the missing personnel are U.S. Army soldiers and that they were on a recreational hike when they disappeared. Moroccan authorities said they were last seen near a cliff area.

AFRICOM has not said publicly how the soldiers went missing, and the incident remains under investigation. Reuters and AP both reported that the case is not believed to be terrorism-related.

Search operation

The search is taking place during African Lion 2026, a multinational exercise that runs from April 27 to May 8 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.

AFRICOM’s statement said the operation includes U.S., Moroccan and other partner forces. The command has not announced whether the missing soldiers have been found.

What happens next

The immediate priority is the search. Any confirmation from U.S. or Moroccan authorities about the soldiers’ condition, or a change in the investigation, would likely be the next significant development.