U.S. Tactical Vehicle Damaged by Improvised Explosive Device in Niger

A U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (MAT-V) activated an improvised explosive device (IED) while entering a firing range in the vicinity of Ouallam, Niger on June 8, 2019.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Jun 09, 2019

A U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (MAT-V) activated an improvised explosive device (IED) while entering a firing range in the vicinity of Ouallam, Niger on June 8, 2019.

There are no reported U.S. casualties, however, as a precaution, U.S. service members are being evaluated.

Earlier reports stated the incident occurred on the firing range, rather than outside the range. As U.S. Africa Command has developed the situation on the ground, reports have evolved. This statement represents the final disposition of personnel and equipment in Niger.

U.S. and Nigerien partner forces were conducting a training exercise when the explosion occurred.

Niger is a vital partner in the fight against violent extremist organizations. U.S. forces are in Niger to work by, with, and through Nigerien partners to promote stability and security while enabling them to address their security threats.

Nigerien partner forces have secured the scene and are assessing the incident.

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.

More in Media Room
U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) chaplains participated in the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9-11, 2025.
Read more
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
Read more
USAFRICOM Successfully Tests AI-Powered Personnel System During Continuity of Operations Exercise
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently completed a successful Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, significantly bolstered by a use of an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) PowerApp capability designed to enhance efficiency with human resources management.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) chaplains participated in the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9-11, 2025.
Read more
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
Read more
USAFRICOM Successfully Tests AI-Powered Personnel System During Continuity of Operations Exercise
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently completed a successful Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, significantly bolstered by a use of an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) PowerApp capability designed to enhance efficiency with human resources management.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) chaplains participated in the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9-11, 2025.
Read more
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
Read more
USAFRICOM Successfully Tests AI-Powered Personnel System During Continuity of Operations Exercise
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently completed a successful Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, significantly bolstered by a use of an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) PowerApp capability designed to enhance efficiency with human resources management.
Read more