As of May 3, 2026, two U.S. service members have gone missing during African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise in Africa, occurring in Morocco. The disappearance occurred on May 2, approximately at 9 p.m. near the city of Tan Tan, in a rugged region characterized by mountainous and desert terrains.
AFRICOM has confirmed that a search and rescue operation is underway, engaging both U.S. and Moroccan military forces, alongside other partner nations. The specifics of the missing personnel, including their unit or branch, have not been disclosed, as the incident is currently under investigation.
The African Lion exercise, which began in April, includes participants from over 30 nations and is designed to bolster regional security cooperation and enhance military readiness for global challenges. The exercise occurs across several countries, including Tunisia and Ghana, and is scheduled to conclude in early May.
Historically, the African Lion exercise has been crucial in maintaining strong military relations, particularly with Morocco, a key U.S. ally in a strategically complex region. Previous incidents linked to these exercises include a fatal helicopter crash in 2012, which resulted in the deaths of two U.S. Marines.
The U.S. military continues to prioritize the safety and welfare of its personnel, and updates regarding the ongoing search efforts are anticipated in the coming days.
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