A search and rescue operation is underway in southern Morocco after two U.S. Army soldiers went missing near the ocean cliffs off the country’s southern coast during a routine training exercise, a U.S. defense official confirmed.
The soldiers were last seen in the vicinity of the Cap Draa Training Area during the annual African Lion exercise. Initial reports suggest they may have fallen into the ocean. Authorities do not suspect any foul play.
Search Operation Details
The search involves ground teams, aerial units, and maritime forces from the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces, and other participating countries in the African Lion exercise. Helicopters, planes, and drones have been deployed to assist the ongoing effort.
Officials halted training activities on Sunday to dedicate resources to locating the missing personnel. CBS News reporters embedded with U.S. forces observed the intensified search beginning late Saturday night after a base-wide head count.
African Lion Exercise Overview
African Lion is AFRICOM’s largest annual joint military exercise, bringing together more than 7,000 troops from over 30 nations including the United States, African partners, and NATO allies. The exercise focuses on training across multiple domains including land, air, sea, cyber, and space, incorporating advanced technologies like drones and artificial intelligence.
The training occurs in southern Morocco near the city of Tan Tan, where the Sahara Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Cap Draa Training Area is a key location for on-ground operations during the exercise.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the risks associated with large-scale military exercises in challenging terrain and highlights the cooperation between U.S. and Moroccan forces during joint operations. The ongoing search emphasizes the prioritization of troop safety and rapid response in emergencies during multinational training events.
Background
Previous African Lion exercises have seen casualties; in 2012, two U.S. Marines were killed and two others injured in a helicopter crash during the operation. African Lion serves as a critical platform for strengthening military partnerships and readiness in the region.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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