Report: Multiple failures in Niger ambush

A Pentagon report summary released Thursday blamed multiple failures for an ambush that killed four U.S. Army soldiers in Niger last October. The team of U.S. and Nigerien forces was approved to meet with tribal leaders but had the scope of its mission changed to go after an Islamic State (ISIS) leader believed to be in the area. The report summary said though the troops demonstrated bravery and heroism when they fell under attack by ISIS-affiliated militants, they had insufficient training and preparation. Those killed in the attack included Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson, Sgt. La David T. Johnson, and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright. La David Johnson’s body was not recovered until two days after the firefight, but the Pentagon said he was not captured alive. Four Nigerien troops were also killed, and two American soldiers and eight members of the Nigerien forces were wounded.