Military investigators find additional remains of US soldier in Niger

U.S. military investigators have recovered additional remains belonging to Army Sgt. La David Johnson earlier this month at the site where his body was found in Niger. 

A Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday that the remains, found on Nov. 12, had been identified as belonging to Johnson, who was among four U.S.  soldiers killed in an ambush last month. 

“We can confirm that the Armed Forces Medical Examiner has positively identified these remains as those of Sgt. Johnson,” Dana White said.

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“The department continues to conduct a detailed and thorough investigation into the deaths of Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson, Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright, and Sgt. La David T. Johnson. We extend our deepest condolences to all of the families of the fallen.”

Johnson’s family had been notified of the discovery.

Johnson and the three other soldiers were killed on Oct. 4 when militants believed to be linked to the Islamic State ambushed their patrol, which consisted of 12 U.S. and 30 Nigerien troops.

Johnson became separated from the rest of his unit. His body was found two days after the attack. 

U.S. Africa Command and Nigerien military personnel went to the scene of the ambush on Nov. 12 as part of their investigation, which is expected to conclude in January.