Remains of US soldier who went missing in Morocco have been recovered

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. World Remains of US soldier who went missing in Morocco have been recovered May 11, 20262:17 AM ET By The Associated Press FILE - U. S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 20th edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 31, 2024. Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP hide caption toggle caption Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP CASABLANCA, Morocco — The remains of a U.

soldier who went missing during military exercises in Morocco a week ago were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean, the army said Sunday. Military teams were still searching for a second missing soldier. The remains were those of 1st Lt.

The Details

Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. , a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer who was one of two U. soldiers who fell off a cliff during a recreational hike in Morocco while off duty.

The two were reported missing May 2 after participating in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise held in Morocco. Sponsor Message "A Moroccan military search team found the Soldier in the water along the shoreline at approximately 8:55 a. local time May 9, within roughly one mile of where both Soldiers reportedly entered the ocean," U.

Army Europe and Africa said in a statement. The two went missing around 9 p. near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, a terrain characterized by mountains, desert and semidesert plains, according to the Moroccan military.

What Experts Say

Their disappearance triggered a search-and-rescue operation involving more than 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco and other military partners. The operation deployed frigates, vessels, helicopters and drones. Search efforts will continue for the missing second soldier, a U.

defense official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they were not allowed to speak publicly on the issue. The official said a U. contingent remained in Morocco after the war games ended Friday to provide command and control and to continue search and rescue operations.

Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the army said. His decorations include the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon. He entered military service in 2023 as an officer candidate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024 as an Air Defense Artillery officer.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.