Search on for U.S. Soldiers Missing in Morocco Military Exercises

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Over 600 military personnel from multiple countries are conducting a search for two missing U.S. soldiers believed to have fallen into the ocean near Cap Draa, Morocco, during multinational exercises. The operation involves specialized divers, aerial surveillance, and naval assets across more than 17 square miles and remains a top priority as the African Lion 26 exercise nears its conclusion.

CASABLANCA, Morocco — Over 600 military personnel from several countries are engaged in an extensive search effort for two U.S. soldiers who went missing during multinational military exercises in southwestern Morocco. The search, now in its fifth day, involves combing underwater caves and the Atlantic coastline near Cap Draa, outside the city of Tan-Tan.

The two U.S. Army soldiers disappeared last week while reportedly on a recreational hike in the area and are believed to have possibly fallen into the ocean, according to the Moroccan military. The ongoing operation includes forces from the United States, Morocco, and other participants in the African Lion 26 exercises, which involve more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations.

Military officials said the search has covered over 17 square miles of coastal and open ocean terrain. The personnel deployed include specialized divers investigating underwater caves, aircraft surveying the ocean surface, and teams conducting ground searches along rocky shorelines supported by canine units.

Naval assets assigned to the training exercise have been redirected to aid search operations. These include a Moroccan-European multi-mission frigate and a French multipurpose supply vessel. Additionally, a U.S. logistics ship continues to support both the exercise and the search. Aviation resources comprise a U.S. UC-35 Citation jet, a U.S. Army C-12 Huron aircraft, as well as Moroccan Puma and Super Puma helicopters.

Unmanned aerial systems provided by technology contractors involved in the African Lion exercise have also been deployed to enhance aerial surveillance in the search region. African Lion 26 began in April and spans four countries—Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal—culminating this Friday.

While the search proceeds, U.S. defense officials have emphasized that the welfare of the missing soldiers and their families remains their highest priority. The multinational community continues to coordinate efforts amid challenging terrain and ocean conditions in hopes of locating the personnel before the conclusion of the exercise.