Pentagon discloses new firefight in Niger

U.S. troops engaged in an undisclosed firefight with Islamic State militants in Niger two months after American troops were killed in the African nation, the U.S. military acknowledged on Wednesday.

Pentagon spokeswoman Maj. Sheryll Klinkel said in a statement to CNN that “during a mission in the Lake Chad Basin region the morning of Dec. 6, a combined force of Nigerien and US military members came under fire from a formation of violent extremists.” 

A firefight reportedly ensued, leaving 11 militants dead, according to CNN. The firefight was first reported by The New York Times.

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According to the Times, no American or Nigerien forces were harmed in the battle. A spokeswoman for U.S. Africa Command did not explain in a statement to the Times why the December firefight was not disclosed at the time.

The firefight followed a deadly ambush on U.S. and Nigerien troops that killed four Americans and five Nigeriens. That attack shed light on the extent of U.S. operations in Niger.

An investigation launched by Africa Command into the deadly October ambush is awaiting final approval by Defense Secretary James Mattis.

About 800 American troops are currently serving in Niger, where the U.S. is constructing a new drone base. U.S. troops are also involved in training and assisting Nigerien forces to combat militant groups in the region.