MISTAKES MADE

DOD: Multiple Failures Contributed to Niger Attack That Killed Four Americans

The department found “individual, organizational, and institutional” mistakes leading to the attack.

A Defense Department investigation examining the deaths of four soldiers who were killed in an ambush by an Islamic State group in Niger last year found “individual, organizational, and institutional” mistakes—but determined that “no single failure or deficiency” led to their deaths, according to The New York Times. The report’s executive summary said that French and Nigerian units assisted “without hesitation,” likely preventing more American deaths. The over 6,000-page report remains classified, and a redacted version is expected to be released to the public “months from now.” The deaths of Sgt. First Class Jeremiah W. Johnson, Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black, Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright and Sgt. La David Johnson set off a political debate about secretive military missions that may endanger Americans.