chargement...
An American defense official told Reuters that initial reports on the disappearance of two American soldiers during the African Lion 2026 exercises near Tan-Tan indicate they «may have fallen into the ocean».
The official further stated, «I can confirm this incident is not linked to terrorism.»
The New York Times provided additional insights, revealing that an American military official mentioned the soldiers were taking an evening walk within a training area, and it is suspected that at least one of them fell off a cliff into the sea.
Another American military official described how fellow soldiers in the vicinity quickly formed a human chain down the cliff in a rescue effort, but a powerful wave swept two of them into the ocean. Initial reports suggest the first soldier who fell was later rescued, while two others remain missing.
The initial source confirmed that a comprehensive, multinational search and rescue mission has been initiated, utilizing ships, ground teams, and reconnaissance drones.
This operation involves Moroccan "SA-330 Puma" and "AS332 Super Puma" helicopters, an American "CH-47 Chinook" helicopter, along with Moroccan and American reconnaissance drones, French and Moroccan naval frigates, and specialized teams of Moroccan mountain climbers and divers.
The African Lion exercises are the largest annual joint military drills conducted by the U.S. Africa Command. The 2026 edition kicked off on April 27 and runs until May 8, spanning four countries: Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia.
Most of these maneuvers take place in Morocco, with participation from around five thousand soldiers representing over 40 nations.
