PAKUAN MEDIA, MOROCCO – A massive search operation is still ongoing in southern Morocco after two US soldiers were reported missing while taking part in a joint military exercise.
Until the third day, the joint team from Morocco and the United States had not found any sign of the two of them.
An official from the United States Department of Defense told Anadolu Agency that the search was still a top priority.
Based on initial reports, it is believed that the two military personnel fell into the sea when the incident occurred.
He emphasized that the search operation was carried out in an integrated manner involving land, air and sea elements. “Our focus remains on finding them,” he said.
This search effort involved military forces from various elements, including the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces, as well as a number of other parties involved in joint military exercises.
A number of equipment was deployed in this operation, ranging from Morocco’s SA-330 Puma and AS332 Super Puma helicopters, US CH-47 Chinook helicopters, to drone systems from both countries.
Support also came from US Navy logistics ships and Moroccan Navy frigates.
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Previously, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) had confirmed that the two soldiers disappeared on Sunday, while taking part in a series of multinational military exercises.
The incident occurred around the slopes of Ras Dara, Tantan area, on Saturday evening local time, at around 21.00.
This incident took place in the middle of the large African Lion military exercise, which is currently entering its 22nd edition. The exercise is scheduled to last until May 8 and involves the participation of 41 countries, including the United States.
African Lion itself is one of the largest military exercises in Africa, which has been regularly held by Morocco and the United States since it was first held in 2007.
This activity involves cross-country cooperation from Africa, Europe and America.
Until now, search operations are still ongoing in the hope that the two soldiers can be found soon, while the investigation into the cause of their disappearance is still ongoing. ***
