A U.S. military vehicle that struck a roadside bomb in Niger while on the way to a training exercise Saturday did not kill any soldiers on board, according to U.S. Africa Command.
The Defense agency said Sunday afternoon that none of the soldiers riding in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle were killed in the Saturday incident near Ouallam, Niger.
Military officials are nonetheless conducting medical examinations of those who were riding in the vehicle.
An earlier report stated the explosion happened after the troops had pulled into a firing range, but U.S. Africa Command clarified in the Sunday afternoon statement that it happened outside the property.
U.S. and Nigerian forces had been carrying out a training exercise at the time of the incident. U.S. forces are in the north-central African country assisting troops in their fight against violent extremist groups like Boko Haram.
“U.S. Africa command is committed to our relationship with our Nigerien partner forces in our efforts to counter threats and foster prosperity in the region,” U.S. Africa Command said in a statement.
