Two US service members have gone missing in Morocco during a military exercise, prompting an active search-and-rescue operation, US Africa Command announced Sunday.
The personnel were reported missing Saturday while participating in a training exercise, according to statements from Africa Command (Africom). Officials did not disclose the specific location within Morocco where the service members disappeared or identify the military exercise underway.
Search Operation Underway
"The incident remains under investigation and the search is ongoing," Africom said in its statement. "Our focus is on the service members involved and their families."
The command did not release details about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the branch of service of the missing personnel, or how many troops are participating in the search effort. No information was provided about whether local Moroccan authorities are assisting in the operation.
US Military Presence in Morocco
The United States regularly conducts joint military exercises with Morocco, a key North African partner and major non-NATO ally. These training operations typically involve multiple branches of the US armed forces and Moroccan military units, focusing on interoperability and regional security cooperation.
Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, oversees US military operations and security cooperation across the African continent. The command maintains partnerships with dozens of African nations to address security challenges and build defense capacity.
Limited Information Released
Officials have not disclosed whether the service members went missing during a training activity, while off-duty, or under other circumstances. The military typically withholds identifying information about missing personnel until families are notified and search operations conclude.
What we know: Two US service members participating in a military exercise in Morocco were reported missing Saturday. Africa Command has launched a search-and-rescue operation and is investigating the incident. What's unclear: The specific location, circumstances of the disappearance, the military exercise involved, and whether Moroccan forces are assisting remain undisclosed.