The four are, from left, Staff Sgt. Wright exited the halted vehicle, looked toward the enemy and then dragged Black into cover. Jeremiah Johnson, 39, La David . 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. "The enemy did not capture Sgt. "What it shows, Meek said, is Jeremiah . The team circled the area and recovered the injured team leader. As of October 2022, Jeremiah John was awarded the Silver Star. 3.2k. Johnson enlisted in the Army in October 2007 as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist. Purple Heart [69], Dustin Michael Wright (19882017) of Lyons, Georgia, was born in Toombs County, Georgia, to Arnold Wright and Terri Criscio. But I am honored that they finally decided to upgrade him.. 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. During this sustained attack the ODA leader was thrown from the bed of the team's pickup. [94], In a United Nations Security Council meeting on 30 October, US ambassador Nikki Haley pledged $60 million towards a new counterterrorism force in West Africa. Officials at the Pentagon refused to provide further details on the incident during a televised briefing on Thursday, citing ongoing operations and force protection issues. 15 second video appears to be shot from multiple helmet cameras on the US soldiers who died on October 4 in Tongo Tongo, Niger in an ambush by 50 ISIS militants. Wright was initially recommended for the Medal of Honor in August 2018. Jeremiah Johnson (mayor) (1766-1852), mayor of Brooklyn, New York. La David Johnson was separated from his comrades when he and two Nigerien partners were unable to reenter their vehicle due to concentrated enemy fire. ", "APNewsBreak: US soldier fought to end after ambush in Niger", "ISIS Affiliate Claims October Attack on U.S. [33], On 2 October 2017, a US special forces (SOF) team from 3rd Special Forces Group based in Quallam received intelligence that placed a high value ISGS sub-commander in their area of responsibility. Special Forces Tab [26] In October 2017, there were about 800 US military personnel in Niger, most of whom were working to build a second drone base for US and French aircraft in Agadez. 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). Dustin Wright and Staff Sgt. All three were assigned to the Armys 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Bryan C. Black, 35, of Puyallup, Washington; Staff Sgt. Waldhauser did not specify the three cases, but the report and statements by Waldhauser and Cloutier singled out two captains, and a superior officer. and Operation New Dawn. Wright immediately backed up the SUV to bring him into cover. Parachutist Tab As the enemy pressed in, La David Johnson and the two Nigerien soldiers began pulling back on foot to the west. We can't have a debate on US intervention overseas if we don't even know where are our forces are, let alone to what end". Niger: May to October 2016, Awards: U.S. forces are in Niger helping train and advise Nigerien security forces; they are not serving in a combat role, according to officials at U.S. Africa Command. [13] They were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 near the village of Tongo Tongo. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Search by Name . [58] On 12November, additional remains of LaDavid Johnson were found at the site where his body was recovered. Bryan Black as dozens of enemy fighters bound toward them, the mothers of Wright and Johnson told Army Times in November. [121] On 27 October, The New York Times editorial board wrote that "the lack of clarity about the Niger operation is one more reason for Congress to replace the 2001 law authorizing military force against Al Qaeda with legislation to address current threats like the Islamic State, limit American interventions, and ensure regular congressional oversight". Jeremiah Johnson (blues musician) (born 1972), American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. In March 2018, more than five months after the attack, the SUV used by the Americans and the helmet cam footage was discovered by Tuareg Rebels in Mali after clashes with bandits in the border area. Niger: August 2017 October 2017 [39] The US and Nigerien team leaders objected to the task because they were not heavily armed or equipped for intense combat should they encounter Chefou's ISIS fighters alone. [4], According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least 46 attacks occurred since early 2016 in the Tahoua and Tillabri regions of Niger. [10] On 8 November, the US Department of Defense said that the investigation would be completed in January 2018. [92] On 23 October, Trump wrote on Twitter, "I had a very respectful conversation with the widow of La David Johnson, and spoke his name from beginning, without hesitation! . Jeremiah Johnson. The two remained with Black's body and further assessed his wounds. [91] On the same day, three reporters from the Los Angeles Times wrote that his response "illustrated the hazards of his extemporaneous governing style, the disorganization within his White House, and his refusal to back down in the face of criticism". [23] The DoD inquiry, completed in 2018, found that the 11-member US special forces team was not prepared for the mission, and identified other flaws in planning. He was in a prone position in the rear of the vehicle with two Nigerien soldiers when the order to withdraw came. ", "What Are U.S. [125], Multiple US officials told CNN that the French military was leading an investigation to gather intelligence about the perpetrators of the ambush. Who Is the Army Punishing? Ranger Tab [51][52] French Mirage jets were ordered to respond to the ambush, and they arrived roughly thirty minutes after notification. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. La David Johnson's body was not recovered until 48 hours after the firefight. ", "There were a series of contributing factors to what occurred in Tongo Tongo," he said in reference to the command failures, "but not one of those contributing factors are the direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo.The direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo is that the enemy achieved tactical surprise there and our forces were outnumbered approximately three to one.". Johnson alive," the summary said in disputing several reports that circulated immediately after the ambush. A much shorter, edited version was disseminated by the Islamic State group a year after the ambush outside the village of Tongo Tongo, near the Niger-Mali border. Staff Sgt. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . The report found that "personnel turnover" had caused the 11-member US Special Forces team to forgo important training before being deployed, and that the team did not rehearse the mission. 2017 attack on Nigerien and US soldiers by Islamist militants in Tongo Tongo, Niger . Bryan C. Black, 35, and Staff Sgt. 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. Two . 1st Class Jeremiah Johnsons mother, Debra Gannon, said helmet camera footage that militants took from the Americans kit helped trigger an upgrade for her sons award, which was previously a Bronze Star with Valor. Myeshia Johnson wanted to see her husband's body, but was reportedly not allowed to do so by the military. He served as a Special Forces engineer sergeant, or an 18C. ", "Trump says he did not 'specifically' authorize Niger mission that killed four U.S. soldiers", "After Niger Attack, U.S. The video below, which is age restricted, contains combat footage of the 2017 Niger ambush. But the militarys accusation that the team went off-script on the mission still bothers her. [84] On 30 November, the government of Niger gave the US permission to fly armed drones out of Niamey. La David Johnson was also killed during the 2017 ambush. 1st Class Jeremiah W. Johnson have both received the Bronze Star with "V" device. La David Johnson, Staff Sgt. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Dustin Wright, 29, and Staff Sgt. [82], In an interview with Voice of America, Almou Hassane, the mayor of Tondikiwindi, alleged that residents of Tongo Tongo were complicit in the ambush: "The attackers, the bandits, the terrorists have never lacked accomplices among local populations". LaDavid Johnson was unable to enter his vehicle due to concentrated enemy fire and was forced to escape and evade on foot with the two Nigeriens. On Oct. 4, 2017, a unit of the U.S. Army's 3rd Special Forces Group, known as Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3212, was ambushed by affiliates of the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS) in Tongo Tongo, Niger, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. soldiers Staff Sgt. Johnson, 39, served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, also known as a 74D. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Johnsons mother said a new building at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is also being built for 3rd Special Forces Group the unit her son was assigned and that will be dedicated to him as Johnson Hall. According to the summary, the video, and statements by Waldhauser and Cloutier at the Pentagon briefing Thursday, the members of Team Ouallam were not wearing body armor when they left Tongo Tongo. Army Achievement Medal (five awards) [29][4] The ISGS had since been targeting pro-government militias that support the French and United Nations forces in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Army Commendation Medal (two awards) Bryan C. Black and Sgt. Combat Action Badge. Trump responded by saying that he wrote letters to the families of the victims, and accused his predecessors, specifically President Obama, of not or rarely calling the families of deceased soldiers. La David Johnson at his burial service in the Memorial Gardens East . "Wright stopped, returned to Staff. [41] However, the meeting would drag on with the local leaders delaying the soldiers' departure by stalling and keeping them waiting. Michael Perozeni, shouldered much of the blame for the ambush until it was revealed that he asked not to continue the mission after the helicopter assault force they were supporting unexpectedly pulled out due to weather issues, according to the redacted investigation. He was awarded a Bronze Star . The tree where Sgt Johnson's died, seen from an islamist firing position.png 937 616; 541 KB. [112], On 23 October, Myeshia Johnson said on ABC's Good Morning America that Wilson's account of the call with Trump was "100 percent correct" and that the call "made [her] cry even worse". La David Johnson of Miami Gardens, Fla.; and Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson, 39, of Springboro, Ohio; and Staff Sgt. Army Commendation Medal Army Sgt. Clockwise from upper left (ascending order for mobile users): Staff Sergeant Bryan Black, Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Johnson, Staff Sergeant Dustin Wright, Sergeant La David Johnson. The families of four soldiers killed in an October 2017 ambush in Tongo Tongo, Niger, have started receiving posthumous medals on the soldiers' behalves. Staff Sgt. On October 4, 2017, four U.S. soldiers from the Africa Command were ambushed and killed during a mission near Tongo Tongo, Niger. Wright exited the halted vehicle . 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. [138], On 4 October 2019, the United States offered a $5 million bounty on Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi under the Rewards for Justice program. The second Nigerien soldier was shot and killed about another 110 meters further on. [54] Nevertheless, the presence of the fighter jets brought the engagement to an end. Army Service Ribbon As they advanced toward the ambush site they engaged and killed several militants before retreating to a safe position due to overwhelming fire. If we have drones and satellite eyes in space, how do we let American troops get abandoned? The first call for air support came 53 minutes after they started taking fire. The team leader and four Nigerien soldiers moved to the southeast to flank what was thought to be a small enemy force; meanwhile the team sergeant ordered the rear US vehicle to the middle of the convoy to better coordinate machine gun fire with US vehicle one. Abdoul Rachid Yerimah was a soldat de 2nde classe (private) of the BSR. "That's not what the evidence indicates," he said, but Cloutier and Waldhauser said there were "processes" throughout the chain of command that need addressing. The top U.S. military officer, Army Gen. Mark Milley, has delivered a message to Ukrainian soldiers at a new training program Two of three NATO surveillance planes deployed temporarily to Romania have arrived at an air base near Bucharest. Jeremiah Johnson. The 45-minute video, filmed by one of those 3rd Special Forces Group soldiers, sheds new light on the final actions . 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. First Class Jeremiah Johnson posthumously received the Bronze Star with Valor. Tongo Tongo ambush. Jeremiah Johnsons own Silver Star medal will be presented to his parents in the coming weeks. La David Johnson and Staff Sgt. Sergeant First Class Jeremiah W. Johnson of Springboro, Ohio, was killed while conducting a reconnaissance patrol near Tongo Tongo, Niger, on 4 October 2017. ", "Jihadist ambush on US forces shows new danger in Sahel region", "Behind the ISIS group that ambushed US forces in Niger", "U.S. deaths in Niger highlight Africa military mission creep", "U.S. Identifies 3 ISIS Militants Who Led Deadly Ambush in Niger", "Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discloses details about Niger ambush", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMuFyzvv9Xw, "American troops caught in deadly Niger ambush told to proceed despite mission concerns", "What we know and don't know about the deadly Niger attack", "Pentagon acknowledges a second team was on the ground in Niger", "We've Posted The Pentagon's Entire Moment-By-Moment Niger Ambush Video Briefing", "Military investigation finds series of failures led to deadly Niger ambush", "Senator McCain says subpoena may be required to get answers on Niger ambush", "Deadly Ambush of Green Berets in Niger Belies a 'Low-Risk' Mission", "4 Nigerien soldiers killed and 8 injured in Niger ambush", "New details from Niger ambush: when US troops sensed something wrong", Military Inquiry Finds Soldiers Were Unprepared in Deadly Niger Ambush, "Leaders of U.S. soldiers killed in Niger filed misleading mission plan", "Why were US soldiers even in Niger? The mothers of two of the four soldiers killed in a 2017 ambush in Niger say recently discovered video from the battle is more proof that their sons' valor awards should be reevaluated. Army Service Ribbon The four U.S. Army soldiers killed were 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. The four team members who split from the second position would regroup with the remainder of the team and partner force. Parachutist Badge [117], On 20 October, National Review senior writer David French criticized the comparison between the ambush and the 2012 Benghazi attack and said, "All available evidence suggests that this is a tragedy rather than a scandal". I still would like to have somebody get up and apologize and tell everybody that [the team] didnt go rogue and they damn well performed above and beyond what they had to do, Gannon told Army Times. [22] The ambush also prompted congressional inquiries, and an investigation by the US Department of Defense (DoD). Nevertheless, the mothers of wright and Johnson told Army Times in November 2nde classe ( )! On Terrorism Service Medal Dustin wright, 29, and an investigation by the US to... Singer, guitarist and songwriter was a soldat de 2nde classe ( ). 35, and Staff Sgt, mayor of Brooklyn, New York halted vehicle, looked toward the and. Quot ; device mayor ) ( 1766-1852 ), American blues singer, guitarist and.. 1St Class Jeremiah Johnson posthumously received the Bronze Star with Valor 12November, additional remains of Johnson. The investigation would be completed in January 2018 an Islamist firing position.png 937 616 ; 541.! ( blues musician ) ( born 1972 ), mayor of Brooklyn, York! 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