- A search and rescue operation is underway for two U.S. service members who went missing in southwestern Morocco while participating in the annual multinational military exercise, African Lion.
- The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the incident, stating that the U.S., Morocco, and other participating countries have launched a joint search.
- The incident occurred on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area, close to the Atlantic Ocean, during the exercise which began in April and is scheduled to conclude in early May.
- African Lion, which has been running since 2004, is the largest annual U.S. joint military exercise in Africa, involving forces from Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal.
- The exercise aims to strengthen regional security cooperation and improve the readiness of participating forces, with Morocco serving as a key U.S. ally in a region experiencing political instability.
IN FULL
