Fourth soldier slain in Niger identified

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has identified the fourth U.S. soldier killed in Niger when a joint patrol of American and Niger forces was ambushed by militants believed linked to the Islamic State militant group.

The American soldier was Sgt. La David Johnson, 25, of Miami Gardens, Fla. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg, N.C.

The military said his body was found Friday after an extensive search. The bodies of the three other U.S. troops were recovered shortly after Wednesday’s attack, in which four Niger military members also were killed.

The deaths mark the worst single loss of U.S. forces under fire since President Donald Trump took office. The president was briefed on the search and the discovery of the body, officials said.

The U.S. and Nigerien forces were leaving a meeting with tribal leaders when they were ambushed.

U.S. officials described a chaotic attack in dense woods, as 40-50 extremists in vehicles and on motorcycles fired rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns at the patrol, setting off explosions and shattering windows. The soldiers got out of their trucks, returning fire and calling in support from French helicopters and fighter jets that quickly responded to the scene, according to officials. It’s unclear if the French aircraft were armed or if they fired on the insurgents.

U.S. officials have said they believe extremists linked to the Islamic State group were responsible for the attack about 120 miles north of Niger’s capital, Niamey.

U.S. special operations forces have been working with Niger’s military in the fight extremists in the African region.