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Partial human remains belonging to Army Sgt. La David T. Johnson were found about five weeks after he was killed in Niger, the Pentagon disclosed Tuesday, raising more questions about the incident that claimed the lives of four U.S. soldiers.
An investigation team from U.S. Africa Command discovered the remains Nov. 12 at the site where Johnsonâs body was found outside the remote village of Tongo Tongo. He and the other Americans were killed there Oct. 4, having been ambushed by as many as 50 Islamist militants.
Five Nigerien soldiers also died in the battle.
Johnsonâs body was found two days later. Itâs unclear how the remains located Nov. 12 were missed during the initial sweep.
[U.S. soldier in Niger ambush was bound and apparently executed, villagers say]
Tuesdayâs announcement comes after The Washington Post reported that Johnson was found by villagers with his hands bound and a gaping wound in his head, raising the possibility he was captured alive and later executed.
It is unclear what remains the team uncovered or whether they produce additional evidence indicating a capture. Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White disclosed the information in a written statement. The Pentagon has not provided additional details or addressed related questions.
2:25
Villagers: U.S. soldier in Niger ambush was bound and apparently executed
Four U.S. soldiers were killed in Niger on Oct. 4, in an attack near Nigerâs border with Mali. Here's what we know. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)
âThe Army takes tremendous care to ensure our Gold Star Families are treated with dignity and compassion and that a casualty assistance officer provides them with the latest information available on the loss of their loved one,â said Cynthia O. Smith, an Army spokeswoman. âIt would be inappropriate to comment on information shared between the casualty assistance officer and the family of a fallen Soldier.â
The announcement does seem to help explain the saga over Johnsonâs remains and what his widow, Myeshia, described as the militaryâs decision to block her from viewing them.
âEvery time I asked to see my husband, they wouldnât let me,â Myeshia Johnson said in an interview with ABCâs âGood Morning America.â âThey told me that heâs in a severe wrap â like I wonât be able to see him. I need to see him so I will know that that is my husband.â
âThey wonât show me a finger, a hand,â she told âGood Morning America.â âI know my husbandâs body from head to toe, and they wonât let me see anything. I donât know whatâs in that box. It could be empty for all I know.â
More remains belonging to Sgt. La David Johnson found in Niger, military says
his remains were scattered or what? this has been a very confusing saga.
An investigation team from U.S. Africa Command discovered the remains Nov. 12 at the site where Johnsonâs body was found outside the remote village of Tongo Tongo. He and the other Americans were killed there Oct. 4, having been ambushed by as many as 50 Islamist militants.
Five Nigerien soldiers also died in the battle.
Johnsonâs body was found two days later. Itâs unclear how the remains located Nov. 12 were missed during the initial sweep.
[U.S. soldier in Niger ambush was bound and apparently executed, villagers say]
Tuesdayâs announcement comes after The Washington Post reported that Johnson was found by villagers with his hands bound and a gaping wound in his head, raising the possibility he was captured alive and later executed.
It is unclear what remains the team uncovered or whether they produce additional evidence indicating a capture. Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White disclosed the information in a written statement. The Pentagon has not provided additional details or addressed related questions.
2:25
Villagers: U.S. soldier in Niger ambush was bound and apparently executed
Four U.S. soldiers were killed in Niger on Oct. 4, in an attack near Nigerâs border with Mali. Here's what we know. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)
âThe Army takes tremendous care to ensure our Gold Star Families are treated with dignity and compassion and that a casualty assistance officer provides them with the latest information available on the loss of their loved one,â said Cynthia O. Smith, an Army spokeswoman. âIt would be inappropriate to comment on information shared between the casualty assistance officer and the family of a fallen Soldier.â
The announcement does seem to help explain the saga over Johnsonâs remains and what his widow, Myeshia, described as the militaryâs decision to block her from viewing them.
âEvery time I asked to see my husband, they wouldnât let me,â Myeshia Johnson said in an interview with ABCâs âGood Morning America.â âThey told me that heâs in a severe wrap â like I wonât be able to see him. I need to see him so I will know that that is my husband.â
âThey wonât show me a finger, a hand,â she told âGood Morning America.â âI know my husbandâs body from head to toe, and they wonât let me see anything. I donât know whatâs in that box. It could be empty for all I know.â
More remains belonging to Sgt. La David Johnson found in Niger, military says
his remains were scattered or what? this has been a very confusing saga.
