The attack on U.S. and Nigerien forces remains under investigation, officials said. It occurred in southwest Niger, approximately 120 miles north of the capital of Niamey.
According to U.S. Africa Command, which is based in Germany, the Special Forces soldiers were providing advice and assistance to Nigerien security force counter-terrorism operations.
The 3rd Special Forces Group has had an ongoing mission in North and West Africa since 2015, with a battalion constantly forward-deployed to Niger and operations in 11 other African nations in the region.
The Special Forces soldiers are in Africa to bolster the defense capabilities of partner nations while combating terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.
According to reports, Nigerien military leaders said a patrol of defense and security forces and American partners were near the border of Mali when they were ambushed by a group with a dozen vehicles and about 20 motorcycles.
4th Fort Bragg soldier killed in Africa identified