The body of one of two U.S. soldiers who went missing off the coast of Cap Draâ during the African Lion 2026 military exercise has been recovered, the U.S. Embassy in Morocco confirmed on May 12, 2026.
U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III expressed gratitude for the Moroccan authorities' efforts, stating, 'We thank the Moroccan authorities for their unwavering commitment and dedication in the search and recovery operation.'
The two soldiers were reported missing on May 10, 2026, during a training exercise. Search operations involving Moroccan and U.S. naval and air assets were launched immediately. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
The search for the second missing soldier continues. The names of the soldiers have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
