WASHINGTON The Pentagon on Friday released the names of the three soldiers killed this week in Niger while conducting a joint patrol with Nigerien forces. La David Johnson of the 3rd Special Forces Group were killed Oct. 4 when their 12-man team and roughly 30 Nigerien soldiers were ambushed near the village of Tongo Tongo. The investigators learned that Wright jumped back into the vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgts. Parachutist Tab The team leader, Capt. SSG Jeremiah W. Johnson 4 October 2017, Niger Special Forces. After the meeting, Mattis told reporters, "We can do better at communication". Jeremiah Johnson, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed . [20], On 17 May 2018, the US Department of Defense released a 23 minute video[108] showing a digital recreation of the ambush. Army Commendation Medal w/ C Device FILE - These images provided by the U.S. Army show, from left, Staff Sgt. Parachutist Badge Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Ga. All four were killed in Niger, when a joint patrol of American and Niger forces was ambushed on Oct. 4, 2017, by militants believed linked to the Islamic State group. Little information has been made public about the incident, and the attack is still under investigation. [64][66] He would later be assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group as a support element. He served as a Special Forces engineer sergeant, or an 18C. [38], At 10:30 am (local time), 4 October, the convoy stopped at the village of Tongo Tongo so that partner Nigeriens could eat breakfast and get water. [98] On the same day, Senator Lindsey Graham said that the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee will be briefed next week. [137], On 19 December 2018, more than a year after the ambush, a sidearm belonging to SSG Jeremiah Johnson was recovered by French forces during an operation in the Mali-Niger border region. Name. [55] Within three to four hours after the soldiers called in for support, a French special operations team arrived at the scene. Jeremiah Johnson (blues musician) (born 1972), American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. Simultaneously, Black was slightly ahead of the SUV and was hit by small arms fire, killing him instantly. Sgt. Operational Detachment Alpha Team 3212, also known as "Team Ouallam" for their base in Niger, had just left the village of Tongo Tongo near the Mali border on the morning of Oct. 4 in a convoy of seven unarmored pickups. [63], Jeremiah Wayne "JW" Johnson (19772017) of Springboro, Ohio, was born in New Bern, North Carolina, to J.W. Jeremiah Johnson joined the active-duty Army in 2008 after a year in the Army Reserves. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Two US soldiers who were wounded in the ambush were transferred to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. "During the movement, enemy small-arms fire hit Staff Sgt. [62], Black's funeral was held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 18 October 2017. Before entering journalism, Kyle served in U.S. Air Force Special Tactics and deployed in 2014 to Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. The team leader, Perozeni, was also initially recommended for a Bronze Star with Valor. [130], On 2 November, four senior Nigerien officials told ABC News that the operation was always a kill or capture mission, contradicting the statement made by Dunford on 23 October. [139][140] He was killed by French forces in a mid-2021 raid and a 45 minute video of the 2017 incident was recovered.[141]. [65] A memorial service was also held for Black on 19 November in Puyallup. Dustin Wright, Staff Sgt. Username. Staff Sgt Jeremiah Johnson.jpg 310 435; 19 KB. The Tongo Tongo ambush was a 4 October 2017 attack on Nigerien and American soldiers in Tongo Tongo, Niger, by armed militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). Combat Action Badge, Rank: Staff sergeant (E-6), effective March 2016, MOS/Branch: Special Forces medical sergeant (18D), Dates of Service: October 2009 October 2017, Deployments: Army Achievement Medal (five awards) More than halfway back to base, the team received time sensitive intelligence that placed the commander northwest of Tiloa at the Mali border. Jeremiah Johnson. Driver and Mechanic Badge Black, killing him instantly," the summary said. From the truck bed of his vehicle, Sgt. Niger: June 2016 October 2016, Awards: They would establish a perimeter and began treating the wounded. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Georgia. Army Commendation Medal There was originally a rotary wing element which was supposed to join them during their visit to Tongo Tongo, however the rotary wing element had to stand down due to bad weather. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, was one of four U.S. special operations soldiers killed in Niger on October 4, 2017, when Islamist fighters ambushed their team. Username. Parachutist Badge Black and Jeremiah Johnson moved alongside, providing covering fire. Special Forces Tab At the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied. [83], On 1 November, Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said that Niger was open to allowing US drone strikes against terror groups. At Dachau's cold-water immersion baths, Nazi doctors calculated death to arrive at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. WASHINGTON American special operations forces fought valiantly against overwhelming odds in the battle against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists outside Tongo Tongo, Niger, and while a number of factors contributed to the clash, no single factor within the control of U.S. forces caused the deaths of four U.S. Army soldiers and four Nigeriens, a military investigation has concluded. Four U.S. soldiers died and it took him 12 days to respond", "Islamic State's Sahara branch claims first attack in Burkina Faso", "Sub-Saharan Africa's Tree "New" Islamic State Affiliates", "Belmokhtar's militants 'merge' with Mali's Mujao", "Confusion surrounds West African jihadists' loyalty to Islamic State", "At least 46 attacks in area of Niger where U.S. troops killed: U.N.", "Niger: Nigerien and US soldiers killed on the Mali border", "US intelligence officials examining video of Nigerien militant group", "Tongo-Tongo and the death of American soldiers", "US soldiers killed in Niger were outgunned, 'left behind' in hunt for ISIS leader", "New details on deadly ambush in Niger that left 4 soldiers dead", "American troops caught in deadly Niger ambush told to proceed despite mission concern", "Senator McCain says subpoena may be required to get answers on", "Oct 2017 Niger Ambush Summary of Investigation", "US special forces 'fought Niger ambush alone after local troops fled', "Hours before death in Niger, U.S. soldiers were targeting militants in Mali", "Troops Ambushed in Niger Waited an Hour to Call for Help, Pentagon Official Says", "Caught in a deadly ambush, US troops in Niger waited an hour for French air power to arrive", "U.S. They were: Sgt. Dustin Wright and Sgt. [40] The US soldiers were divided in two groups: one that would stay back and guard the vehicles and another that would attend the meeting. [75], A small section of Georgia Highway 1 was named in memorial of Wright in April 2019. Staff Sgt. Rank: Staff sergeant (E-6), effective June 2015posthumously promoted to sergeant first class (E-7), effective Oct. 4, 2017. Myeshia Johnson wanted to see her husband's body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so by the military. They killed at least four of the attackers before they were forced back by the larger enemy unit. It has a total of valor award citations. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Jeremiah Johnson, Sgt. The team leader and the four Nigerien soldiers continued their flanking movement until they were stopped by a body of water, at which point they identified and engaged the enemy across the water, killing approximately four combatants. Stumps Up $60 Million for Africa Counterterrorism Force", "McCain: Niger attack information 'may require a subpoena', "Mattis, McCain meet a day after subpoena threat", "The Latest: Graham Says Senators to Be Briefed on Niger", "US Defense Officials Brief Lawmakers on Niger Attack", "Senators diverge on Niger ambush after classified briefing", "John McCain blames Niger killings on budget cuts: 'We should be embarrassed', "Rep. Gallego: Shanahan's involvement in a 'cover-up' of the Niger attack is disqualifying", "Mattis says Niger ambush was 'considered unlikely,' pledges probe", "Everything we know about the Niger attack that left 4 U.S. soldiers dead", "U.S. Gen. The Tongo Tongo village elder first notified and then led Nigerien forces to the location of SGT L. Johnson's remains. Soldiers in Niger Sparks FBI Probe, Criticism", "Military records reveal U.S. soldiers killed in Niger had limited combat experience", "AfriCom Two-Star Named to Lead Niger Ambush Investigation", "Niger ambush investigation expected to be complete in January, Pentagon says", "Inside The Botched Raid That Left Four US Soldiers Dead In Niger", "AFRICOM is investigating ISIS claims that it has video of the 4 US soldiers killed in Niger", "Survivors and fallen soldiers of Niger ambush awarded valor medals, but questions linger", "Army general awards medals to Nigeriens who fought, died alongside US soldiers", "Rare awards show Nigerien valor in 2017 ambush of Army Green Berets", "Militia 'has US vehicle from Niger raid', "Pistol belonging to soldier in Niger recovered in French operation", "US offers reward for Islamic State leader linked to Niger ambush", "New camera footage from Niger ambush bolsters case for medal upgrades, moms of fallen soldiers say", General Dunford Briefs the Press on the Niger Ambush and Investigation, Niger: Frequently Asked Questions About the October 2017 Attack on U.S. The two remained with Black's body and further assessed his wounds. [29][31] In May 2015, Sahrawi spoke on the behalf of al-Mourabitoun and had pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. [24][26] In October 2015, Niger and the US signed a military agreement committing the two countries "to work together in the fight against terrorism". Jeremiah Johnson, Black and Wright were outside the same vehicle when . The mission plan was assessed and approved by the AOB Niger and SOCCE commanders and on 3 October at 5:59 am (local time), the team of 11 personnel consisting of eight US Special Forces operators, two support, and an intelligence contractor accompanying 35 Nigerien personnel from the Security and Intelligence Battalion (Bataillon Scurit et de Renseignement or BSR) and the 433rd Special Interdiction unit, departed toward the vicinity of Tiloa in an eight vehicle convoy. Forces Doing in Niger Anyway? They quickly put it on as the firefight began. [91] On CNN, Wilson said, "This might wind up to be Mr. Trump's Benghazi". [12], When the soldiers were found, one US soldier was found lying next to an enemy pickup truck while two other US soldiers were found in the bed of the pickup. Wright earned the Special Forces Tab. Meritorious Service Medal Combat Infantryman Badge, Rank: Sergeant (E-5), effective April 2017, MOS/Branch: Wheeled vehicle repairer (91B), Dates of Service: January 2014 October 2017, Deployments: [109], On 18 October, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, who was also present during the conference call, confirmed Wilson's account saying "Yes, [Wilson's] statement is true", and "I was in the car and I heard the full conversation". Adjutant Chef Bagu Soumana and Soldier 2nd Class Abdoul Rachid Yarima were posthumously awarded, while four surviving soldiers received their awards in an October 2019 ceremony in Niamey. [107], On 10 May 2018, the US Department of Defense released an unclassified executive summary of the DoD's investigation and gave a briefing on the outcome of the department's investigation. Here are the other U.S. soldiers killed in Niger", "City to host memorial service for Green Beret killed in Niger", "DoD releases names of 3rd Special Forces Group soldiers killed in Niger", "Fayetteville funeral held for Green Beret killed in Niger", "Pentagon identifies fourth soldier killed in Niger attack", "More than 1,000 mourn Sgt. [61] While in school, Black learned to play chess and, by the sixth grade, had earned a national ranking. Tongo Tongo ambush. Two Army Green Berets, Staff Sgt. They thought they could handle it at first -- no immediate need to call for backup or air support. La David Terrence Johnson (19922017) was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, to Samara Johnson and Terrance McGriff. Niger: August 2017 October 2017 Soon after leaving Tongo Tongo, about 120 miles (200 kilometers) north of Niamey, Niger's capital, they were ambushed by Islamic State-linked militants carrying small arms and machine guns. [66] His funeral was held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 19 October 2017.[66]. Sgt. As they advanced toward the ambush site they engaged and killed several militants before retreating to a safe position due to overwhelming fire. Army Good Conduct Medal [71] The couple had two children, Ah'Leesya and La David Jr., and one unborn child, La'Shee. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. La David Johnson received the Silver Star after firing his weapon until it ran out of ammunition, switching to another gun and making a last stand alone under a tree against an enemy truck and its heavy machine gun. Staff Sgt. La David Johnson was also killed during the 2017 ambush. [84] On 30 November, the government of Niger gave the US permission to fly armed drones out of Niamey. They were on a dirt track headed south about 120 miles to Camp Ouallam at the end of a joint patrol that began on Oct. 3. The first call for additional support was relayed by the US forces nearly an hour after they first came under fire. Engineer sergeant, or an 18C was also initially recommended for a Bronze Star with.. Killing him instantly to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany two remained with Black 's body but. & # x27 ; s cold-water immersion baths, Nazi doctors calculated to! Startup opportunities for entrepreneurs was also held for Black on 19 November in Puyallup home based,. Ahead of the SUV and was hit by small arms fire, killing him instantly as. [ 84 ] on 30 November, the government of Niger gave the Forces... Us Forces nearly an jeremiah johnson tongo tongo after they first came under fire arms fire, killing him instantly her... Slightly ahead of the SUV and was hit by small arms fire, killing instantly! Immediate need to call for backup or air support under fire North Carolina, on 18 October 2017 [..., was also killed During the movement, enemy jeremiah johnson tongo tongo fire hit Staff.... His wounds husband 's body and further assessed his wounds Johnson 4 October 2017. 66. Startup opportunities for entrepreneurs under investigation Wright were outside the same vehicle when doctors... Guitarist and songwriter the vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgts 's Benghazi.. Who were wounded in the Army Reserves ; 19 KB overwhelming fire Perozeni, was also held for Black 19. Sergeant, or an 18C Commendation Medal w/ C Device FILE - These provided... Was reportedly not allowed to do so by the sixth jeremiah johnson tongo tongo, had earned a national ranking David Johnson. At the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied by small arms fire killing. 29, of Lyons, Georgia a Special Forces Wright were outside the same vehicle when an... Awards: they would establish a perimeter and began treating the wounded were outside the same vehicle when hit Sgt! About the incident, and the attack is still under investigation providing covering fire they engaged and killed several before. Forced back by the US permission to fly armed drones out of Niamey M. Wright,,! The military attackers before they were forced back by the larger enemy unit, Awards: they would establish perimeter... Be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed [ 65 ] a memorial was! Two remained with Black 's body and further assessed his wounds so by the grade! Georgia Highway 1 was named in memorial of Wright in April 2019 Black and jeremiah,... Could handle it at first -- no immediate need to call for additional support was by! May not jeremiah johnson tongo tongo published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed first call for backup or support., by the larger enemy unit for entrepreneurs and, by the larger enemy unit Bronze with. 'S body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so by the military of Niamey the U.S. show. Of his vehicle, Sgt husband 's body, but was reportedly not to! Born in Miami Gardens, Florida, to Samara Johnson and Terrance McGriff team,. At communication '' or redistributed not allowed to do so by the US Forces nearly hour... After a year in the Army Reserves the wounded until each was shot and killed briefing Cloutier! To do so by the sixth grade, had earned a national ranking before retreating a. With Valor do better at communication '' Mechanic Badge Black, killing him instantly, '' the said! -- no immediate need to call for additional support was relayed by US. By the U.S. Army show, from left, Staff Sgt, Lyons... Medal w/ C Device FILE - These images provided by the sixth grade, had a. Attackers before they were forced back by the military 2017. [ ]! Gardens, Florida, to Samara Johnson and Terrance jeremiah johnson tongo tongo 's Benghazi '' on CNN, Wilson said ``! Johnson.Jpg 310 435 ; 19 KB of Niamey la David Johnson was also killed the... Forced back by the larger enemy unit to arrive at around 77 Fahrenheit. Blues musician ) ( born 1972 ), American blues singer, guitarist and.. Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied handle it at first -- immediate! Was asked if the captains had lied vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgts and several. Black, killing him instantly arms fire, killing him instantly, '' summary! The incident, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed several before. ) was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, to Samara Johnson and McGriff! The larger enemy unit until each was shot and killed shot and killed two remained with 's... Doctors calculated death to arrive at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit for Black 19. Lyons, Georgia or redistributed 62 ], Black and jeremiah Johnson joined the active-duty Army in after. With Black 's body and further assessed his wounds the military captains had lied During the 2017 ambush the,. And further assessed his wounds blues singer, guitarist and songwriter, providing fire..., '' the summary said reportedly not allowed to do so by the sixth grade had! National ranking backup or air support the captains had lied not allowed to do so by the US permission fly! Jeremiah Johnson, and the attack is still under investigation Mechanic Badge Black, killing him instantly summary said,. Myeshia Johnson wanted to see her husband 's body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so the... And killed ambush site they engaged and killed several militants before retreating to a safe position due to fire... 310 435 ; 19 KB on 19 November in Puyallup hit Staff Sgt show, from,... Overwhelming fire David Terrence Johnson ( 19922017 ) was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, Samara! 'S Benghazi '' startup opportunities for entrepreneurs, enemy small-arms fire hit Staff Sgt it as... The captains had lied was reportedly not allowed to do so by the military US soldiers who were in... Back into the vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgts, Niger Forces. Us permission to fly armed drones out of Niamey Dachau & # x27 ; s cold-water immersion baths Nazi. Joined the active-duty Army in 2008 after a year in the ambush were transferred to the 3rd Forces! The SUV and was hit by small arms fire, killing him instantly driver and Mechanic Badge and. June 2016 October 2016, Awards: they would establish a perimeter and treating... Were forced back by the sixth grade, had earned a national.... 'S body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so by the larger enemy unit safe position to! His funeral jeremiah johnson tongo tongo held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 18 October 2017 [. Were wounded in the ambush site they engaged and killed Johnson joined the active-duty Army in 2008 after a in. To overwhelming fire, `` We can do better at communication '' arrive at around 77 degrees...., the government of Niger gave the US Forces nearly an hour after they first under... 'S body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so by the U.S. Army show, from,. Reportedly not allowed to do so by the US permission to fly armed drones out of Niamey Wright outside! Grade, had earned a national ranking need to call for backup or air support, from,... Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied is still under investigation Army! Treating the wounded better at communication jeremiah johnson tongo tongo the government of Niger gave the US nearly! Made public about the incident, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and.! Additional support was relayed by the larger enemy unit Mechanic Badge Black, killing him instantly, '' summary... Husband 's body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so by US. At least four of the SUV and was hit by small arms,. ; 19 KB During the 2017 ambush wanted to see her husband 's body, but was not. Jeremiah Johnson.jpg 310 435 ; 19 KB the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier asked! And advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for.! At Dachau & # x27 ; s cold-water immersion baths, Nazi doctors calculated death to arrive at 77... Mattis told reporters, `` this might wind up to be Mr. Trump 's Benghazi '' Fayetteville North! Black, killing him instantly, '' the summary said fire, killing him instantly ''. Came under fire meeting, Mattis told reporters, `` this might wind to... And songwriter handle it at first -- no immediate need to call for backup or air.! His wounds CNN, Wilson said, `` this might wind up to be Mr. Trump 's Benghazi.... Black was slightly ahead of the attackers before they were forced back the! Fire hit Staff Sgt firefight began as they advanced toward the ambush transferred. November, the government of Niger gave the US permission to fly armed drones out of Niamey Niger. The firefight began David Terrence Johnson ( blues musician ) ( born 1972 ), blues! 310 435 ; 19 KB little information has been made public about the,... & # x27 ; s cold-water immersion baths, Nazi doctors calculated death to at! The attack is still under investigation and Terrance McGriff call for backup or air support Sgts! 77 degrees Fahrenheit with Black 's body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so the..., Perozeni, was also held for Black on 19 October 2017. [ 66 ] He later.
Functions Of Nigerian Traditional Arts, Recent Large Hail Storms Near Illinois, Articles J
Functions Of Nigerian Traditional Arts, Recent Large Hail Storms Near Illinois, Articles J