Two US soldiers missing during African Lion exercises in Morocco
Investigations are ongoing and search operations are continuing.
Announced US Army Two soldiers participating in the African Lion 2026 exercises went missing near the Cap Draa training area, near the city of Tan-Tan in Morocco, on Saturday.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that US and Moroccan forces, along with units participating in the maneuvers, have begun coordinated search and rescue operations by land, air and sea, while investigations are still underway and search operations are continuing.
On April 27, the African Lion 26 exercises, the largest annual joint exercise led by the U.S. Africa Command, commenced. The exercises are taking place in four countries: Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, according to a statement from AFRICOM.
In Morocco, some 5,000 personnel from more than 40 countries, in addition to more than 30 American defense industry companies, participated in activities aimed at testing future warfare capabilities at several locations during the period from April 27 to May 8, 2026.
The exercise is being conducted by the U.S. Army’s Southern Europe-Africa Task Force and aims to “enhance the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations, and their international allies. The training also tests the forces” ability to conduct rapid deployment and operate in multi-domain threat environments,“ according to a statement from AFRICOM.
Earlier, the joint Tunisian-American military exercise African Lion 2026 concluded in the city of Bizerte, northern Tunisia, with the participation of more than 500 military personnel from both countries, in an important strategic event on both the military and political levels, contributing to strengthening international cooperation and confirming Tunisia’s position as a regional player in security and stability.
The number of injured US military personnel is rising.
In another context, a report revealed that the number of US military personnel injured during the war with Iran has risen to 400 soldiers, more than 7 weeks after the start of the conflict, according to what the Wall Street Journal quoted Pentagon officials as saying.
The report revealed that, according to the data, most of the injured belong to the US Army, with 271 soldiers, while 64 were from the Navy, 19 from the Marines, and 46 from the Air Force.
The Pentagon indicated that the death toll from the military operation called Epic Wrath remains at 13.
