Body of missing US soldier recovered in Morocco search operation

One of two US soldiers who went missing during a multinational military exercise in Morocco has been found dead, Moroccan authorities confirmed on May 10th, while search efforts continue for the second serviceman, as reported by The New Arab staff and agencies on May 11th.

The soldiers went missing on May 2nd near cliffs along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline while participating in the African Lion 2026 training exercises in the Cap Draa Training Area in southern Morocco.

In a statement, the Moroccan army said a body was recovered from the sea on May 9th and transferred to a military hospital before repatriation procedures began.

A large-scale search operation involving US, Moroccan and allied forces remains underway to locate the second missing soldier.

According to US Africa Command, the search has covered more than 8,000 square kilometres of coastline and surrounding waters.

Reportedly, the search operation has involved over 10 aircraft, Moroccan cave divers and an unmanned underwater vehicle.

A US military official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said investigators currently believe the incident was likely accidental. The official suggested the soldiers may have fallen into the sea near the cliffs and said there was no indication of terrorism or hostile activity.

African Lion 2026 is one of the largest annual military exercises on the continent. The drills bring together troops from dozens of countries for joint training operations focused on security cooperation, crisis response and defence coordination.

This year’s exercises involved nearly 5,000 troops from more than 40 countries, alongside defence and security specialists.

First established in 2007, African Lion trains militaries in various war scenarios, such as countering weapons of mass destruction, along with disaster management.

The reports of two missing US soldiers have cast a shadow over the international training operation, with rescue teams continuing round-the-clock efforts along Morocco’s southern coast.

Military authorities have not yet released the identities of the soldiers, pending notification of their families.

The New Arab staff and agencies, Maghrebi.org