Niger: Frequently Asked Questions About the October 2017 Attack on U.S. Soldiers
Abstract
On October 4, four members of U.S. Special Operations Forces were killed and two wounded in an attack near the town of Tongo in western Niger (Figure 1, below). The Defense Department (DOD) has stated that the U.S. servicemembers were conducting an advise and assist mission to conduct reconnaissance with Nigerien counterparts, several of whom were also killed and injured.1 For many Members of Congress, the incident has thrown a spotlight on evolving security threats in West Africas central Sahel region, as well as the growing presence of U.S. military forces engaged in counterterrorism support in Africa and throughout the world.2 This report provides background information and context on the U.S. military presence in Niger, and several related issues, in response to frequently asked questions. U.S. officials have stated that a local group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS/ISIL)was responsible for the attack, which would make it the first known incident in which an Islamist militant group in the Sahel has killed U.S. soldiers on active duty.3Islamist extremists have, however, killed Western civilians, including a handful of U.S. citizens, in a series of mass casualty attacks in North and West Africa since 2013 (see chronology in the Appendix). The first U.S. citizen reportedly held as a hostage for a prolonged period by an Islamist group in the Sahel was kidnapped in western Niger in October 2016; some news reports suggest that he is being held by the same group that carried out the October 4, 2017, attack, but this has not been confirmed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1170137
Entities
People
- Alexis Arieff
- Andrew Feickert
- John W. Rollins
- Kathleen J. McInnis
- Lauren P. Blanchard
- Matthew C. Weed
Organizations
- Library of Congress