The US Pentagon has released the findings of an investigation -- into an ambush last October in Niger. Four US soldiers and two from Niger -- were killed in the attack, carried-out by ISIL. CGTN's Daniel Ryntjes reports.

On the morning of October 4th 2017, a group of 12 Green Beret American special forces was accompanying a larger group of Nigerien forces close to the Mali border. They had just left the village of Tongo-Tongo in a convoy of vehicles when the attack began.

ROGER CLOUTIER, MAJOR GENERAL LEAD INVESTIGATING OFFICER "There were a series of contributing factors to what occurred in Tongo Tongo. But none of those contributing factors are the direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo. The direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo, is that the enemy achieved tactic surprise there and our forces were outnumbered there approximately three to one."

Three of the U.S. special forces were killed during the main part of the firefight. Then, Staff ROGER CLOUTIER managed to run 960 meters alone before he was killed. The report concludes that there were multiple factors involved. A key factor was a U.S. commander mistakenly ordering an attempt to go after a local ISIL leader.

ROGER CLOUTIER, MAJOR GENERAL LEAD INVESTIGATING OFFICER "Had the first mission been properly characterized it would have been required to have been approved at a higher level. And by being approved at a higher level it would have received more oversight from the chain of command. And that higher level chain of command would have decided what resources were required to support the mission."

The unit was not properly equipped, they had not properly trained as a team, they were not prepared for this mission and were not able to effectively communicate with the Nigerien forces. The head of U.S. Africa Command General Thomas Waldhauser says they have now adopted a more prudent strategic approach across the chain of command and improved equipment, including the availability of armored vehicles.

DANIEL RYNTJES WASHINGTON U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has now directed General Waldhauser to take immediate steps to address shortfalls, and has given senior leaders four months to complete a review and lay out a plan for additional changes. Daniel Ryntjes, CGTN, Washington.