3 U.S. Army special ops commandos killed in Africa

UPDATE: The following statement was put out by U.S. Africa Command a short time ago.

“U.S. Africa Command can confirm reports that a joint U.S. and Nigerien patrol came under hostile fire in southwest Niger. We are working to confirm details on the incident and will have more information as soon as we can confirm facts on the ground.

U.S. Forces are in Niger to provide training and security assistance to the Nigerien Armed Forces, including support for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts, in their efforts to target violent extremist organizations in the region. One aspect of that is training, advising and assisting the Nigeriens in order to increase their ability to bring stability and security to their people.”

Earlier story: U.S. officials say three U.S. special operations commandos have been killed and two others were wounded when they came under fire in southwest Niger.

The officials say the commandos were likely attacked by al-Qaida.

In a statement, U.S. Africa Command says the forces were with a joint U.S. and Nigerien patrol north of Niamey, near the Mali border, when they came under hostile fire.

Africa Command says the U.S. forces are in Niger to provide training and security assistance to the Nigerien Armed Forces in their efforts against violent extremists.

Troops with the 10th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Carson, were previously stationed in Niger.

However, sources tell KRDO another special forces group took over about a year ago, and no Fort Carson troops were involved in this week’s ambush.

Photos posted on the 3rd Special Forces Group’s Facebook page in the last month show members of that group training and assisting Nigerian forces.

The 3rd SFG is based out of Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, NC.

Stay with KRDO.com for updates.