A search-and-rescue operation continued Sunday in southern Morocco after two U.S. service members were reported missing near the country’s Atlantic coast while participating in African Lion 2026, a large multinational military exercise led by U.S. Africa Command. The service members were reported missing near the Cap Draa Training Area, close to the city of Tan Tan, according to AFRICOM.
CBS News reported that the two Americans went missing off the southern coast of Morocco during annual training exercises. U.S. officials have not released their names, units, hometowns, or any confirmed details about their condition. As of the latest public statements, the search remained active and officials had not announced that the service members had been found.
AFRICOM said U.S., Moroccan, and partner forces are involved in the operation. Reuters reported that the search includes ground, air, and maritime resources, while the Associated Press reported that helicopters, ships, mountain rescue units, and divers were among the assets being used. Officials have not publicly confirmed the exact circumstances that led to the disappearance.
The missing service members were taking part in African Lion 2026, which AFRICOM describes as its largest annual joint exercise on the African continent. The exercise brings together U.S. forces, NATO allies, and African partner nations to improve coordination and readiness. This year’s exercise includes activity across Morocco and other African partner countries.
The area where the search is focused is near Tan Tan, a city in southwestern Morocco, and close to the Cap Draa Training Area. Public reporting has described the surrounding terrain as a mix of coastal, mountainous, and semi-desert conditions, creating a difficult search environment for rescue teams. Authorities have not released a verified timeline beyond the confirmation that the two service members were reported missing on May 2.
Several reports have described the incident as occurring after formal training activity, but U.S. officials have not released a full account of what happened. The cause remains under investigation, and officials have not confirmed whether the disappearance resulted from an accident, environmental conditions, or another factor. No verified public report has identified hostile activity as the cause.
For now, the focus remains on locating the missing service members and supporting their families while the search continues. Military officials have released limited information, a common practice during active search operations and before family notifications and investigative findings are complete. Until AFRICOM or the Department of Defense provides more details, the confirmed facts remain narrow: two U.S. service members are missing near Tan Tan, Morocco; they were participating in African Lion 2026; and a multinational search-and-rescue effort is underway.
