‘I Cry Every Day’: Families of Soldiers Killed in Niger in 2017 Are Still Waiting for Answers

Niger accountability ? General supposedly removed approximately month prior to catastrophic deaths. The Army Inspector General has launched an investigation into an inappropriate relationship between Maj. Gen. Joseph Harrington, who oversees U.S. Army Africa from Northern Italy, and a subordinate’s wife, USA Today reported on Aug. 31. https://taskandpurpose.com/army-investigates-major-general-joseph-harrington Who was overseeing U.S. Army Africa from Northern Italy on Oct 3-4,2017? https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/08/31/army-generals-racy-texts-subordinates-wife-prompt-official-probe/622407001/ Who replaced (this so called General) Harrington and on what date did he stop working on Army Africa missions and who took charge of his duties and responsibilities in Niger?

Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi. How many 'investigations'? I lost count. Niger? How many investigations? On so many levels, the Republican party has become an insult to every single citizen of this country.

If the investigation was about anyone close to Donald Trump it would not take two years. But that’s not the way it is. They’re just trying to keep putting this off. Election 2020 - still investigating.....like the tax audits.

There is a shocking sense of disconnection by many Americans about our military incursions into foreign lands; namely, that only the occupants of those countries should die, not our vaunted "heroes" who invade them. These men were members of the most violent careerists in the military - the Special Forces. I rarely agree with Trump about anything, but he is correct in stating that they knew what they signed up for. We have an all-volunteer military; those who choose to participate in endless wars should carefully consider what they are fighting for. They may come to the realization that the only entities they are keeping safe are the profits of the war-mongers. Complaining about botched operations does nothing to change that. Refusing to participate in hegemony by oligarchs is the best course.

Recon is dangerous and war-fighting often fatal at times; it was an ambush the thing a scout team does it’s best to avoid.

House Democrats should hold hearings on this. Why weren’t the Captain’s warnings needed? In hindsight it seems apparent that the mission was dangerously understaffed and underequipped.

These are facts: 1. The patrol that resulted in ambush and killing of American soldiers was usually conducted by Nigerien soldiers. 2. Niger was one of the nations Donald Trump banned from entry into the US. 3. Niger pulled their troops and support as a result of that unreasonable ban by Trump. 4. American soldiers then had to conduct the risky patrol without Nigerien backing, got ambushed, and slaughtered. There will be no investigations, no answers unfortunately. This morning it is reported that Rod Rosenstein begged Trump to keep his job, that he "will safely land the plane" of Mueller investigations. These are very strange times in America, indeed. God help us.

And Trump supporters thought the Mueller investigation was too long and too expensive and produced a big nothing burger (probably because they have not really read the report) but the US military with an ever increasing budget cannot complete "an investigation" into four deaths?

The military is really good at covering up their vulgar mistakes.

They'll never get answers. Their loved ones died while Republicans were in power.

As Mr. Trump's supporters never tire of telling us, 18 months is just far too long for an investigation to come with anything and after that length of time it just proves that nothing happened. Sorry 'bout that. But Trump probably doesn't respect soldiers who get killed; after all they're losers, not a winner like he is.

Sadly, there will never be any answers here because the questions beg full accounting of the U.S. military's unauthorized presence throughout Africa.

"review as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible?!?!?" for a 2017 ambush? and here we are at end of April 2019? Forget about conflicts of interest or deceit, Secretary Shanahan should be fired for glaring incompetence. "with the greatest measure of respect for the families?!?!?!?" BUT on why families were never told of the latest delay? "I don't know" is the "official" answer! Don't they court martial people anymore? The defense leaders in charge are prime candidates for one. Not court martialing them is a disgrace to the armed forces and to the memory of the brave Green Berets foolishly put in a risky and inappropriate situation, that left 4 of them dead.

Benghazi! Benghazi! Benghazi! But nothing from the Republicans about this tragedy in Niger? After 18 months have the Republican's found a way to spin this same number of casualties as Hillary's fault? Feckless "leadership" and another vivid example of shamelessness for president* Bone Spurs who claims he's "all about the troops". HA! Maybe he will mock these Gold Star families too - and claim he's all about "hero's" that don't get ambushed.