The Defense Department has identified the fourth U.S. soldier killed in Niger when a joint patrol of American and Niger forces was ambushed by militants believed linked to the Islamic State group.
The American soldier is 25-year-old Sgt. La David T. Johnson of Miami Gardens, Florida. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The military says his body was found Friday after an extensive search. The bodies of the three other U.S. troops were recovered shortly after Wednesday's attack, which also killed four Niger military members.
Gov. Rick Scott issued a statement in response to the death of Sgt. Johnson, saying, "Ann and I join Floridians across the state in honoring the lives of U.S. Army Sgt. La David T. Johnson and the other three U.S. soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our freedom. We will never forget their heroic actions and our hearts break for their families and loved ones. We will continue to pray for the safety of all our brave military members across our country and abroad."
The U.S. and Niger forces were leaving a meeting with tribal leaders when they were ambushed.
U.S. special operations forces have been working with Niger's military in the fight extremists in the African region.
