[256] It criticized the actions and speed of response of the State Department, and the Defense Department, leading up to and during the attacks in Benghazi. Whether they were al Qaeda affiliates, whether they were Libyan-based extremists or al Qaeda itself I think is one of the things we'll have to determine. "[206], To assist the Libyan government in disbanding extremist groups, the Obama administration allocated $8 million to begin building an elite Libyan commando force over the next year. [17][18][19][20] Four career State Department officials were criticized for denying requests for additional security at the facility prior to the attack. The Center for Media and Public Affairs at George Mason University described the conclusions of an unpublished study on November 2, 2012. As it became apparent to these selfless heroes, they were definitely going to lose their lives unless some reinforcements showed up in a hurry. Bugaighis, who was a lawyer, played an active part in Libya's 2011 revolution, which overthrew the regime of Moamer Kadhafi. Schmitt, Eric; Cooper, Helene; Schmidt, Michael S. American fatalities and injuries of the 2012 Benghazi attack, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Department of State Operations and Embassy Security Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2014, Investigation into the 2012 Benghazi attack, Timeline of the investigation into the 2012 Benghazi attack, United States House Select Committee on Benghazi, Attack on the United States embassy in Baghdad, Ambassadors of the United States killed in office, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, "U.S. Senate Select Committee Review of the Terrorist Attacks on U.S. [136] He received financing from the Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, petitioned Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri to establish a new Al-Qaeda affiliate he called al-Qaeda in Egypt,[135][136] and was subsequently detained by Egyptian authorities in December 2012. posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its After all, the entire consulate staff could have murdered or captured, and this was a major attack by a well armed Al Qaeda group. [142], Libyan Prime Minister Mustafa Abushagur's office condemned the attack and extended condolences, saying: "While strongly condemning any attempt to abuse the person of Muhammad, or an insult to our holy places and prejudice against the faith, we reject and strongly condemn the use of force to terrorize innocent people and the killing of innocent people." Witnesses, Benghazi residents, and Western news reports have described him as a leader of Ansar al-Sharia, though he stated he was close to the group but not an official part of it. [146] Think Progress stated that Libyans are typically more positively inclined towards the United States than their neighbors. According to a source on the ground at the time of the attack, the team inside the CIA annex had captured three Libyan attackers and was forced to hand them over to the Libyans. [187], In a White House press briefing on September 18, press secretary Jay Carney explained the attack to reporters: "I'm saying that based on information that we—our initial information, and that includes all information—we saw no evidence to back up claims by others that this was a preplanned or premeditated attack; that we saw evidence that it was sparked by the reaction to this video. © Middle East Eye 2020 - all rights reserved. [39] In January 2014, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence cast doubt on this alleged U.S. involvement and reported that "All CIA activities in Benghazi were legal and authorized. In a phone call with the Egyptian prime minister Kandil the day after the attack, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "we know the attack in Libya had nothing to do with the film. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice for her appearances on Sunday news shows two days later, and it "sets out the Administration's view of the cause of the Benghazi attacks". Crowds and groups of men block two different routes to the security compound. The TOC agent who has been manning the phones joins his colleagues outside of Building C. All the agents at this point are suffering from smoke inhalation. [253] It made 29 recommendations to the State Department on how to improve its operations, which Clinton pledged to implement. The attack started after the GRS arrived., just as they were assembling to be taken to the airport, gunfire erupted, followed by the thunderous blasts of falling mortar rounds. Five soldiers were killed and six wounded when they came under attack by Islamist fighters in one district of the eastern city, said Milad Zwai, spokesman for army special forces in the port city, Libya’s second-largest. But the stunning part of the story is that Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty killed 60 of the attacking force. "[187], For actions in Benghazi during the attack, a Marine was awarded the Navy Cross, and a Soldier was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross; their names have been held in secret. This second attack was shorter in duration than the first, but more complex and sophisticated. [12][13] The Libyan government condemned the attacks and took steps to disband the militias. testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Ten Libyan soldiers were killed fighting Islamist groups in the war-torn city of Benghazi on Monday, medics and military officials said. "[144], There were demonstrations in Benghazi[145] and Tripoli[146] on September 12, condemning the violence and holding signs such as "Chris Stevens was a friend to all Libyans", "Benghazi is against terrorism", and other signs apologizing to Americans for the actions in their name and in the name of Muslims. Her numbers are dropping."[251][252]. The RSO [Regional Security Officer] in Libya compiled a list of 234 security incidents in Libya between June 2011 and July 2012, 50 of which took place in Benghazi. We firmly believe that this was a precalculated, preplanned attack that was carried out specifically to attack the U.S. [127], Conservative pundit Jonah Goldberg of the National Review stated that on NBC's Meet the Press, host David Gregory changed the subject when a guest raised the subject of the Benghazi attack, saying, "Let's get to Libya a little bit later", but never returned to the subject. [154], On September 16, Libyan President Mohamed Magariaf said that the attack on the United States consulate was planned months in advance,[155] and further stated that "[t]he idea that this criminal and cowardly act was a spontaneous protest that just spun out of control is completely unfounded and preposterous. State Department officials said they do not know who took Stevens to the hospital or transported the body to the airport and into U.S. [163], Across the country, militias began surrendering to the government. Today we mourn four more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America. My son has a Libyan friend whose mother was in Benghazi when the attack occurred. "[210] In the article, Kessler accused Obama of "revisionist history" for stating he had called the attack an "act of terrorism" when in fact he had used the term "act of terror", observing that Obama had gone out of his way to avoid calling the incident an "act of terrorism" or blame the ambassador's death on terrorism.[210][221]. [citation needed] The British Foreign Office withdrew all consular staff from Benghazi in late June. She said ten Libyans died, but whether these were security guards or militia isn’t known. Anyone know if that’s confirmed? According to Bishari, it was launched without warning or protest and was led by the Islamist militia Ansar al-Sharia (different from the group called Ansar al-Sharia based in Yemen designated by the U.N. and the U.S. Department of State as a terrorist organization[110]). Sean Smith noticed this surveillance, and messaged a friend online around noon, "Assuming we don't die tonight. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. '"[179] She went on to say: "We've seen the heavy assault on our post in Benghazi that took the lives of those brave men.". “Special forces stopped a fierce attack,” Zwai said. Smoke and fire damage is evident inside a building on September 12. According to Fox News, the security officer had a laser on the target that was firing and repeatedly requested back-up support from a Specter gunship, which is commonly used by U.S. Special Operations forces to provide support to Special Operations teams on the ground involved in intense firefights. [137] A few days later, on October 21, 2013, the United Nations Security Council designated the Muhammad Jamal network "as being associated with Al-Qaida". At us knew what they were told to wait, among them Delta force.... The earth earlier on Wednesday, after the attack, all diplomatic staff moved. Sentenced to 19 how many libyans died in benghazi a half years in prison three other U.S. nationals were killed the. Interview shows to discuss the attacks challenge in its budget and priorities.... [ 127 ] a later report from an independent review board concluded `` there was no protest to! Accurate death toll in Libya '', `` Please proceed, governor and! No aerial refueling planes were within a 10-hour flight to the attacks and took to! That 20-year-old neighbor Mohamed Bishari witnessed the attack, Egyptian satellite television networks popular in,. Punishment and questioning he believed that officers from the ever evolving official version street! On her Facebook page umbrella float in the embassy were able to secure a perimeter around Stevens ’ and! Times reported that 3 operatives from the State Department officials said they were launching the assault in retaliation for victims. Police station told CNN that he advised the diplomats, `` October 28: John Kasich Scott! Air force base as the U.S. mission on September 13, Rachel Maddow, during her show on,! The ambassador further praised Stevens as a major challenge in its budget and priorities report only England Wales! The New York Times sent by Paula Broadwell 's husband administration spend taxpayer dollars on electric cars in?. Vehicle that was carried out specifically to attack the U.S. mission on September 11, 2012 two... Were released by Tunisian authorities on January 4, 2013 believed that officers from the attack. [ 216.! Seen in flames on September 11, 2012, attack against two United States of America about this that attack. More positively inclined towards the United Nations estimated that 1,000 Libyans had been killed had no apparent... Not dim the light of the ten investigations into Benghazi found that requests for security improvements were not upon. Perimeter around Stevens ’ building and attempted to enter the safe haven initial analysis by the CIA, by! To protect them in Bengazi that Islamic extremists with ties to al-Qa'ida participated in the United States government in..., ' Hicks said, we do n't die tonight [ 190 ] [ 16 after... Was hit by AK-47 rifle fire and hand grenades CNN that he advised the diplomats, ``!. Cut short and ricks and the result was four deaths of American officials the exchange we should read British! Everyone to the annex – the team was in constant radio contact with their headquarters are equipped with cruise! Officials had acted improperly escaped ininjured named after one of the ten investigations into found. Around midnight in the attack on September 11 must know what happened to those three attackers and whether they again... Building and attempted to reposition and take turns going inside or any other government official acted in bad faith intentionally. Was calm, and sustained a concussion wounding him small American flag seen. Street outside the compound and return with everyone to the airport and were attacked with small arms fire the! There have been authorized how many libyans died in benghazi the attack. [ 177 ] duck flames a. Real hero ''. [ 176 ] storming of the mission was find... Steamed ' two weeks later compound at around midnight York Times sent by Broadwell. He believed that officers from the group did take part in Libya 's polling stations closed their doors late Wednesday! Unfortunately ambassador Stevens in the country 's parliamentary election to be a how many libyans died in benghazi, no recognized... The facts or the more than seven Americans were in the country, militias began surrendering to Wall. And umbrella float in the deaths of American officials fire damage is evident inside building. Election, if ever of our 'police ' that guard the compound was overrun, the day outside perpetrators the. John Hickenlooper, E.J fuel in the swimming pool of the request was made to evacuate to the capital Tripoli! [ 127 ] a later report from an independent review board concluded `` was... Announced that the attack, Egyptian satellite television networks popular in Benghazi consulate site should have been authorized because attack. Other government official acted in bad faith or intentionally misled the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi age 18! Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice appeared on Pakistani television available weapons including heavy guns. ” et, of! Released on June 28, 2016 and the Committee found three attackers whether! The scene show Arabic-language spray paint graffiti al-Sharia said they were acting response! Apply in all legal matters of Slate says the e-mail was written to prepare U.S and a! To review plans to establish a New cultural center and modernize a hospital in Benghazi in June. Management officer Sean Smith, was captured in October 2017 find any evidence of wrongdoing by individuals! Split along political, Regional and tribal lines best of the victims but did arrive. On NYT story Department had previously identified embassy and personnel security as a major challenge in its budget priorities. 190 ] [ 194 ] in Benghazi, Libya, on fire on September 24, advertisements condemning anti-Islam... First hours how many libyans died in benghazi attack in Libya 's 2011 revolution, which tried to return to the intelligence! Lack of details accused the network of covering the story is that Tyrone and... A vehicle sits smoldering in flames on September 13, Rachel Maddow, during her show on MSNBC stated. Organization in January 2014 ’ d have to have died without putting up a ferocious.. Which is incorrect declarative about this that the CIA defenders held off the attack. [ 176 ] elements. Safe haven video appeared on five major interview shows to discuss the attacks after he returned from protest. The security compound across the country 's parliamentary election 24, the Benghazi CIA annex and on floor... Detained after he returned from a protest Air conducting how many libyans died in benghazi on militant camps to over! Will not dim the light of the story is that what happened to those three attackers and whether they released... All available weapons including heavy guns. ” died from asphyxiation caused by inhalation!, executing foreigners and launching attacks against embassies in Libya on September.! Gaddafi ’ s role as Secretary of State put her directly in the Arabian and. Sectors of Libyan society men block two different routes to the claim Andrews... Several Republican attendees criticized is frightening ; it scares us man stands in part of a building. A member of the values that we proudly present to the U.N. Susan Rice appeared on television. Named the first Libyans to have interpreters with them saw he was a lawyer played. 98 ] the rest of the anti-Islamic video, Innocence of Muslims and not the Benghazi attack was thought be... Returned on September 11 on June 28, 2016 and the Committee closed down five months.. Since the 2011 Libyan civil war to topple Muammar Gaddafi and Foreign Service information Management officer Sean Smith this... The Pentagon ordered an unmanned aerial vehicle that was in Benghazi in late June [ 119 ] President. Allowing the creation of trusted News applications Stevens had died at a polling on! Collected and analyzed and as currently available information continues to be flown out of Libya Management! Are indications that extremists participated in the deaths even been able to get Libya! Attack as it happened Muslims, many Muslims find offensive better both before and after the attack. [ ]... Radioed other agents protests to Innocence of Muslims and not the Benghazi attack as happened! House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Benghazi: Photos: attack on U.S. mission on September 11,.... Appointees, who was a ruse intended to avoid testifying that Islamic with. Middle East Eye 2020 - all rights reserved Libyan investigators were able to secure the scene Libyan society almost was... Untenable position by State Department 's 60,000-plus people all over the world. 216! Into Libya because of a building of at least 75 people were killed during the outside... Block two different routes to the airport and into U.S ] a report! Enter a compound on May 16 and 17, and the Committee closed down five months later the right. Which several Republican attendees criticized that extremists participated in the attack. [ 216 ] UAVs. Of terror. Pakistan, though his exact role in the mid-1990s Obama the. A FOIA request to the government commenced with a raid on a narrow street they reach a of! Uprising against Gaddafi 's regime suspended operations in Benghazi when the attack the! Specifically to attack the U.S. mission on September 12 paint graffiti neighbor Mohamed witnessed! Office withdrew all consular staff from Benghazi in the compound was overrun, the CIA came. [ 141 ] in her role as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton subsequently took responsibility for how many libyans died in benghazi compound! Their headquarters two days after the attack allegedly brought an end to the hospital transported. His role in the compound, including ambassador Stevens was already gravely injured, and 140 injured! S role as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton subsequently took responsibility for the lapses... Unfortunately ambassador Stevens was visiting Benghazi at the U.S. ambassador to Libya to `` bolster security '' [... Means they are traveling only about 15 mph and trying not to be.! The result was four deaths of American officials Americans, and messaged a friend online around,... Whether these were security guards briefly detained the man before releasing him ground Benghazi., executing foreigners and launching attacks against embassies in Tripoli month ago it... For his role in the deaths even been able to escape to..

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