No terrorism. A hike. Ocean cliffs. Two U.S. soldiers still missing in Morocco — search teams include divers. A U.S. defense official told Reuters by email that the disappearance of two U.S. Army soldiers near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco has no link to terrorism — and that initial reports suggest the two may have fallen into the ocean. The soldiers had gone on a recreational hike after the day’s training exercises concluded. They were last seen near ocean cliffs on the Atlantic coast at approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday, according to a U.S. defense official speaking to the Associated Press, and failed to return as expected.
Initial reports indicate the two soldiers may have fallen into the ocean. I can confirm this incident has no link to terrorism.
— U.S. defense official · via Reuters, May 3, 2026
They were not actively taking part in any training. The day’s exercises had concluded, and, from our understanding, they were out on a recreational hike.
— U.S. defense official · via Associated Press, May 3, 2026
Search intensifies
The terrain around Cap Draa is mountainous — desert and semi-desert plains along the Atlantic coast. The joint search and rescue operation involves helicopters, ships, mountain rescue units, and divers. U.S., Moroccan and other African Lion partner nations are all participating. AFRICOM confirmed the search is ongoing and the incident remains under investigation. Its statement was focused: “Our focus is on the service members involved and their families”.
- Sources: U.S. defense official via Reuters, May 3, 2026; U.S. defense official via Associated Press, May 3, 2026; AFRICOM statement, May 3, 2026.