Moroccan, US Forces Recover Body of Missing American Soldier Near Cap Draa

Rabat – Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (FAR), working together with US forces, recovered the body of one of two American soldiers who went missing during the African Lion 2026 military exercise near the cliffs of Cap Draa on May 2. 

According to a statement from the FAR General Staff, the body of Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. was found and recovered on May 9 after intensive land, sea, and air search operations involving the FAR and Civil Protection teams. 

The body was transported by helicopter to the military hospital in Guelmim before being repatriated. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to find the second missing US soldier.

The two soldiers disappeared on May 2 near cliffs in the Cap Draa training area close to Tan-Tan. Early reports suggested that the soldiers had fallen into the Atlantic Ocean while off duty, during a recreational hike after training activities had ended. 

Officials also confirmed that the incident was not linked to terrorism or the African Lion exercise itself, but appeared to be an accident.

The African Lion is the largest annual military exercise led by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). It takes place in several countries, including Morocco, and brings together thousands of troops from the US, Morocco, and other partner nations. The exercise is designed to improve cooperation and readiness between allied forces.