Two U.S. service members are missing after a hiking accident during the African Lion exercise in Morocco. They were reported missing around 9 p.m. on May 2, near a cliffside close to the Atlantic Ocean.
A search and rescue operation has been initiated by both U.S. and Moroccan forces. The soldiers were off duty when the incident occurred.
The African Lion exercise is the largest annual joint military exercise conducted by the U.S. on the continent, involving over 5,500 personnel from more than 30 nations. It began its Moroccan phase in late April and is scheduled to end in early May.
Officials have not confirmed whether the soldiers fell into the ocean, but initial reports suggest this possibility. The incident remains under investigation as search efforts continue.
Key details:
- The African Lion exercise started in 2004.
- This year’s exercise includes forces from over 30 nations.
- Previous incidents during these exercises have resulted in fatalities.
AFRICOM stated, “Our focus is on the service members involved and their families.” A U.S. defense official added that this incident is not related to terrorism.
The search for the missing service members continues as authorities work to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
