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Two US service members missing during African Lion exercise in Morocco
Two US service members participating in the African Lion joint military exercises were reported missing near Tan Tan in southern Morocco. Search-and-rescue operations involving US, Moroccan, and partner forces are underway near the Cap Draa training site, and the incident is under investigation.
Why It Matters
The disappearance underscores safety considerations during large multinational drills. African Lion is AFRICOM's largest annual joint exercise, highlighting international interoperability efforts in the region.
Timeline
6 Events
Incident under investigation; search ongoing
May 3, 2026
The incident remains under investigation and the search is ongoing.
Missing near Cap Draa training site; cliff reported
May 3, 2026
The Moroccan army said the service members went missing near a cliff at the Cap Draa training site.
Search-and-rescue operations launched
May 3, 2026
US, Moroccan and partner forces launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations, using ground, air, and maritime assets to locate the service members near the Cap Draa training site.
Two US service members reported missing near Tan Tan during African Lion exercise
May 3, 2026
Two US service members participating in African Lion were reported missing near the city of Tan Tan in southern Morocco, according to AFRICOM and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces.
Scale of drills in Morocco and participating countries
April 27, 2026
The exercise involves about 5,000 personnel from more than 40 countries, and the largest part of the drills takes place in Morocco.
African Lion exercise schedule announced (April 27–May 8)
April 27, 2026
This year's African Lion exercise runs from April 27 to May 8 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, with the largest portion of drills taking place in Morocco.