Two US soldiers reported missing during African Lion 2026 exercises near Tan-Tan

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced this Sunday, May 3, that two US service members participating in African Lion 2026 were reported missing near the Cap Draa training area, close to Tan-Tan, on May 2, 2026.

AFRICOM stated that the United States and Morocco, along with other African Lion exercise resources, promptly initiated a coordinated search and rescue mission, deploying ground, air, and naval assets.

The command confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing, while search efforts are still underway.

«Our focus is on the service members involved and their families,» AFRICOM emphasized.

The 22nd edition of the African Lion exercises commenced last Monday, featuring participation from 41 countries, including the United States, in what is considered the largest military exercise on the African continent.