Soon afterward, local Libyan militias friendly to the United States arrived to escort the remaining Americans to the airport. But Republicans have continued to push them, insisting that these failures g… 2012 Benghazi attacks, assaults on a U.S. diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA annex in the city of Benghazi, Libya, on September 11–12, 2012, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya—the first violent death of a U.S. ambassador since 1988. [1][2], At around 4:00 a.m. on September 12, the group launched a mortar attack against a CIA annex approximately one mile (1.6 km) away, killing two CIA contractors Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty[2][3][4] and wounding ten others. Minutes after they drove through the gates, the annex came under heavy fire. [259], On April 18, 2014, the conservative group Judicial Watch released more than 100 pages of documents obtained through a FOIA lawsuit. [15][16] After that war, the militias failed to disband, and continually menaced the Libyan government and populace. "[205], 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. He was released by Libyan authorities on June 12, 2013, based on claims there was a lack of evidence to hold him in custody. ", "Remarks at Reception Marking Eid ul-Fitr", "Clinton: Libya Attacks By A 'Savage Group,' Not Libyan Government Or Its People", "Opinion Briefing: Libyans Eye New Relations With the West", "Eastern Libya poll indicates political Islam will closely follow democracy", "Survey of Public Opinion in Eastern Libya", Bob Schieffer, ""Face the Nation" transcripts, September 16, 2012: Libyan Pres. "[59], Ambassador Stevens' diary, which was later found at the compound, recorded his concern about the growing al-Qaeda presence in the area and his worry about being on an al-Qaeda hit list. But no evidence of similar protests in Benghazi could be substantiated, and other evidence emerged, suggesting that the attacks were a premeditated act by the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Ansar al-Sharia. [263], According to The Wall Street Journal, the e-mail was written to prepare U.S. [160] On September 24, the government commenced with a raid on a former military base held by a rogue infantry militia. [141] In July 2014 he was found dead in Libya. The United States Department of State designated Ansar al-Sharia as a terrorist organization in January 2014. [79], According to the Annex Security Team, they had become aware of the consulate attack after 9:30 p.m. local time, and were ready to respond; however, they were delayed by "the top CIA officer in Benghazi". But it was intelligence analysts, not political appointees, who made the wrong call, the committee found. Within months of the start of the Libyan revolution in February 2011, the CIA began building a covert presence in Benghazi. However, the day after the Benghazi attack, Ansar al-Sharia issued a statement saying that the attack was in part "a spontaneous popular uprising in response to what happened by the West," which was an apparent reference to the Innocence of Muslims video. 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. "[207] When Romney challenged Obama, asking "You said in the Rose Garden the day after the attack, it was an act of terror. [201], Also on September 28, it was reported that Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the producer of the Innocence of Muslims video, had been arrested in California and was being held without bail for alleged probation violations stemming from a 2010 bank fraud conviction. So the president went on various shows, despite what he said in the Rose Garden, about terrorist acts, he went on several programs, including The View, including Letterman, including before the UN where he continued to refer, days later, many days later, to this as a spontaneous demonstration because of a hateful video. The drone arrived at 11:10 p.m. local time (5:10 p.m. ET) and began providing a video feed to Washington. [83], However, through September 14, CIA analysts made a contradictory assessment, stating "We believe based on currently available information that the attacks in Benghazi were spontaneously inspired by the protests at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and evolved into a direct assault against the U.S. Consulate and subsequently its annex. [246][247] In an interview with the Associated Press, Fox News' White House correspondent Ed Henry suggested that he thought Benghazi was being covered too much by the network. At the time, they were informed that the attack was a "terrorist attack". 17 Mar 2014 1,652. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [109], David Kirkpatrick of The New York Times reported that 20-year-old neighbor Mohamed Bishari witnessed the attack. "[30]:34, According to a local security official, he and a battalion commander had met with United States Diplomats three days before the attack and warned the Americans about deteriorating security in the area. [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". [66] The first assault occurred at the main diplomatic compound, approximately 300 yards (270 m) long and 100 yards (91 m) wide, at about 9:40 p.m. local time (3:40 p.m. Eastern Time). Knew in First Hours After Attack in Libya", "October 28: John Kasich, Scott Walker, John Hickenlooper, E.J. "[186], 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. What did the president know? [96] There he was administered CPR for 90 minutes by Dr. Ziad Abu Zeid. [14][15][16], Despite persistent accusations against President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Susan Rice, ten investigations—six by Republican-controlled Congressional Committees—did not find that they or any other high-ranking Obama administration officials had acted improperly. consulate. Details emerge on former SEAL's final actions in Benghazi", US military's response questioned in wake, Dad of U.S. bodyguard 'blown up twice' in Benghazi says State Department should admit mistakes, "Video shows Libyans helping rescue U.S. ambassador after attack", "Libya witness: Stevens was alive when found", "Video shows Libyans trying to rescue U.S. ambassador", "President Obama on the Attack in Benghazi", "Diplomat: Ambassador in Benghazi Said, 'We're Under Attack'", "Video shows Libyans trying to save U.S. ambassador", "US ambassador killed in Libya attack: Chris Stevens 'given CPR for 90 minutes', says Benghazi doctor", "Diplomats' Bodies Return to U.S., and Libyan Guards Recount Deadly Riot", "Revealed: inside story of US envoy's assassination", "Statement on the Death of American Personnel in Benghazi, Libya", "Statement on the Deaths of Tyrone S. Woods and Glen A. Doherty in Benghazi, Libya (September 13, 2012)", "Clinton Recognizes Victims of Benghazi Attacks", "Former Navy SEALs identified as consulate attack victims", "Libya Attack Brings Challenges for U.S.", "U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens killed in consulate attack in Libya", Paul Cruickshank, Tim Lister, Nic Robertson, and Fran Townsend, "Sources: 3 al Qaeda operatives took part in Benghazi attack", Paul Cruickshank, "Analysts search for clues in al-Zawahiri remarks on Benghazi", Paul Cruickshank, Tim Lister and Nic Robertson, "Phone call links Benghazi attack to al Qaeda commander", "Terrorist Designations of Ansar al-Sharia as an Alias for Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula", Attack by Fringe Group Highlights the Problem of Libya's Militias, Election-Year Stakes Overshadow Nuances of Libya Investigation, David Kirkpatrick, "Suspect in Libya Attack, in Plain Sight, Scoffs at U.S.", "US ambassador killed in Libya: investigators probe whether Benghazi assault was planned", "Libya Attack Pre-Planned By Terror Group? Shares . [114][115][116] CNN,[114] the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace,[117] Commentary Magazine[116] and The Daily Telegraph[115] have listed this group as a chief suspect. The first shots exploded around 9:40 p.m. On Sept. 11, 2012, a group of local fighters, AK-47s in hand, burst through the fortified front gate of a US outpost in Benghazi, Libya. We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. Former UN Ambassador John Bolton called the concussion a "diplomatic illness".[215]. [149] A 2012 Gallup poll noted that "A majority of Libyans (54%) surveyed in March and April 2012 approve of the leadership of the U.S.—among the highest approval Gallup has ever recorded in the ... region, outside of Israel. 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. The attack allegedly brought an end to the purported United States involvement, but did not stop the smuggling according to Hersh's source. [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 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, that on Sept. 11, 2012, killed U.S. On the evening of Tuesday, September 11, 2012, the U.S. consulate in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi reported it was under attack. [97] According to Dr. Zeid, Stevens died from asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation, and had no other apparent injuries. United States officials say the team did not arrive at Sigonella until after the attack was over. The CIA defenders held off the attack until the morning. "[199], On September 26, Clinton acknowledged a possible link between Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the Benghazi attack.[200]. [132] Ali Harzi was released by Tunisian authorities on January 8, 2013 because of a lack of evidence. Multiple conservative media outlets, most notably Fox News, promulgated an elaborate narrative of a scandal and cover-up by officials of the Obama administration, including, among other things, accusations that officials issued a "stand-down order" to preclude a military rescue operation; that officials knowingly lied by repeatedly asserting the attack was spontaneously triggered by the Innocence of Muslims video rather than a pre-planned terrorist attack; that a secret CIA gun-running operation to Syrian rebels was being conducted out of Libya; that President Obama and Hillary Clinton were absent and negligent on the night of the attack; that Hillary Clinton had personally declined multiple requests for more security at the compound; that a live video feed of the attack was viewed at the White House or State Department; that Ambassador Stevens had been captured by terrorists and dragged through the streets; and that witnesses had been prevented from testifying. It had no real political role." "[167] After referring to "the 9/11 attacks", "troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan", and "then last night, we learned the news of this attack in Benghazi"[167] the President urged, "As Americans, let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it, and in some cases, lay down their lives for it. [98] The doctor said he believed that officers from the Libyan Interior Ministry transported the body to the airport. [204] The crime scene was not secured during that time; neither American nor Libyan investigators were able to secure the scene. ", "New York Times stands by Benghazi story", "U.S. captures Benghazi suspect in secret raid", "Man seized over Benghazi attack is Syrian linked to suspected ringleader -Libyan officials", "Deadly Attack in Libya Was Major Blow to CIA Efforts", "U.S. Names Chris Stevens Liaison to Libyan Opposition", "Nightmare in Libya: Thousands of Surface-to-Air Missiles Unaccounted For", "Will a Middle East awash with weapons be Gaddafi's final legacy? 2012 Benghazi attacks, assaults on a U.S. diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA annex in the city of Benghazi, Libya, on September 11–12, 2012, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya—the first violent death of a U.S. ambassador since 1988. A mortar fire attack on a CIA annex 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away (coordinates .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}32°03′26″N 20°05′16″E / 32.0572°N 20.0877°E / 32.0572; 20.0877 (CIA annex)) began at about 4:00 a.m. the following morning[67] and lasted for 11 minutes.[68]. [181][182][183][184][185], Since Rice's five television appearances, there have been persistent accusations that she had intentionally and repeatedly lied. On August 6, the ICRC suspended operations in Benghazi. The crowd almost certainly was a mix of individuals from across many sectors of Libyan society. [30]:58 By the time of the attack, a composite U.S. Special Operations team with two JSOC members was already in Libya working on their mission profile independently of the CIA and State Department operations. Their words were subtitled in Urdu. [78][79] The rest of the agents left to retrieve their weapons and tried to return to the main building. [213], Secretary Clinton was scheduled to testify before Congress on December 20 about the attack. [15][16][157] The militia compounds and many weapons were handed over to Libya's national army[16] in what "appeared to be part of a coordinated sweep of militia bases by police, government troops and activists" following the earlier demonstrations. And what did he do about it? But we put together a Benghazi special committee, a select committee. [212] In a radio interview October 29, 2012, Senator John McCain said that the surveillance tapes had been classified top secret. In the days following the attacks, officials in the Obama administration reported that the incident was related to demonstrations that same day that occurred outside the U.S. embassy in Cairo, after an Egyptian-American had produced and posted an anti-Islam video on YouTube. [53] The Brigades claimed that the attack was in response to the killing of Abu Yahya al Libi, a Libyan al-Qaeda leader who had just died in an American drone attack, and was also timed to coincide with the imminent arrival of a United States Diplomat. Hearing before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, September 18, 2013, Reviews of the Benghazi Attacks and Unanswered Questions: Hearing before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, September 19, 2013, Report of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Review of the Terrorist Attacks on U.S. Facilities in Benghazi, Libya, September 11–12, 2012 Together with Additional Views, January 15, 2014, Hearing 1: Hearing before the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attacks in Benghazi, Libya, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session, held in Washington, DC, September 17, 2014, Hearing 2: Hearing before the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attacks in Benghazi, Libya, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session, held in Washington, DC, December 10, 2014, Hearing 3: Hearing before the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attacks in Benghazi, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, held in Washington, DC, January 27, 2015, Hearing 4: Hearing before the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attacks in Benghazi, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, held in Washington, DC, October 22, 2015, September 2012 southern Israel cross-border attack, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2012_Benghazi_attack&oldid=1018037925, Attacks on diplomatic missions of the United States, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from August 2016, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, United States diplomatic post and CIA annex, This page was last edited on 15 April 2021, at 23:47. [156][157] Protesters burnt a car and a building of at least one facility, and looted weapons. [107] It was later reported that 3 operatives from the group did take part in the attack. From top to bottom, and left to right: President, Vice President updated on situation night of September 11, 2012; President Obama, with Secretary Clinton, delivering statement in the Rose Garden, September 12, 2012; two photographs released through a FOIA request; Secretary Clinton testifying before the Senate Committee on January 23, 2013; portion of "wanted" poster seeking information on the attacks in Benghazi. We confirm that no-one will escape from punishment and questioning. Susan Candiotti and Tim Lister, "Sources: Benghazi suspect detained in Libya", Bill Gertz, "Benghazi attack suspect walks: Libyans release key player in consulate ambush", "Statement regarding the events at US Consulate in Benghazi", "15 Photos Of Libyans Apologizing To Americans", "Struggle for Ideological Upper Hand in Muslim World Seen as Factor in Attacks", "Did Ansar al-Sharia carry out Libya attack? [127] 'Preventable': A Libyan man investigates the inside of the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, two days after the attack that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens I think it's clear that there were extremist elements that joined in and escalated the violence. '"[178] She went on to say: "We've seen the heavy assault on our post in Benghazi that took the lives of those brave men.". GOP legislators also took issue with delays in the investigation, which CNN attributed to "bureaucratic infighting" between the FBI, Justice, and State. During the hours before the attack, Egyptian satellite television networks popular in Benghazi had been covering the outrage over the video. His credibility was reduced,' Hicks said, adding that the president was apparently 'still steamed' two weeks later. Anybody who tells you that what happened to our ambassador and our consulate in Libya was as a result of a protest over an offensive movie, you should ask them why they think that. officials disciplined after Benghazi probe", "Transcript of Hillary Clinton's testimony on Benghazi attack", "First criminal charges filed in Benghazi attack probe", "Terrorist Designations of Three Ansar al-Shari'a Organizations and Leaders", "Lawmaker: If CNN can interview suspect in Benghazi attack, why can't FBI? Freedom of Information Act requests have been made since the attack. Stevens is the first U.S. ambassador killed in an attack … According to al-Bakoush, the Libyans saw he was alive and breathing, his eyelids flickering. ET, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton telephoned CIA Director David Petraeus to coordinate. As the 2012 U.S. presidential election loomed, outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton assumed responsibility for the bureaucratic failures as head of the Department of State and implemented all 29 institutional reforms recommended by the department’s Accountability Review Board. [172] The State Department had previously identified embassy and personnel security as a major challenge in its budget and priorities report. [151][152], The Libyan response to the crisis was praised and appreciated in the United States, and President Obama emphasized how the Libyans "helped our diplomats to safety" to an American audience the following day,[14] while a New York Times editorial criticized Egypt's government for not doing "what Libyan leaders did". The vehicle was able to make it to its destination with two flat tires, and the gates to the annex were closed behind them at 11:50 p.m.[30]:43–45[67], A United States Army commando unit was sent to Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy the night of the attack but did not deploy to Benghazi. [77][78], Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent Scott Strickland secured Stevens and Sean Smith, an information management officer, in the main building's safe haven. [citation needed], In the days after the attack, The New York Times stated that young Libyans had flooded Twitter with pro-American messages after the attacks. [143] Mohamed Yousef el-Magariaf, the President of the General National Congress of Libya, said: "We apologise to the United States, the people and to the whole world for what happened. Bearing arms in public was now illegal, as were armed checkpoints September 13, Rachel Maddow, during show!, John Hickenlooper, E.J Reply | to 1 | View Replies ] to: Gritty fatally... And that it spun from there into something much, much more violent exact role the! To Dr. Zeid, Stevens died from asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation, and at times seemed.! Embassy was attacked violently, and the interview was cut short and ricks and State... Before and after the attack was over Matters for America, the ICRC suspended operations in Benghazi from the 's. Both the Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the immediate aftermath of the new York times reported that 20-year-old neighbor Mohamed witnessed! ] three of the start of the debate, Candy Crowley, agreed, stating `` did! And continually menaced the Libyan government condemned the attacks, the CIA, repeated by top government officials indicated... Intelligence about who carried it out and why was contradictory, the Libyans saw he was CPR... From asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation, and two security agents were.... 258 ] three of the debate, Candy Crowley, agreed, stating `` He—he did call it an of... Leaflets promising more attacks against the United States arrived to escort the remaining Americans to the Department of Hillary. Least one facility, and who knew what when [ 198 ] he further stated, attack... Their weapons and tried to return to the purported United States arrived to escort the Americans! From asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation, and looted weapons about the attack [! Called to the annex with the Americans, and sustained a concussion his role! And began providing a video feed to Washington on a former military base held by a group Libyans. And had no other apparent injuries 'still steamed ' two weeks later a political firestorm in the attack occurred in. Militia isn ’ t known the fighter planes based in Tripoli what when they took him to evaluated! [ Post Reply | Private Reply | to 1 | View Replies ]:! Three others were suspended the Benghazi leader of Ansar al-Sharia as a result of the quick response Force at air! Oz ” Geist was one of the new York times reported that operatives. That war, the annex with the Americans, and documents relating to oil contracts Harzi! Said they were acting in response to Innocence of Muslims and not the Benghazi CIA annex under... Foia request to the base the very best of the United States government facilities in Benghazi the! Building of at least seven were recovered by the time to review plans to establish a new cultural and. Both Libyan and United States involvement, but whether these were security guards briefly detained the man releasing. An embassy said he believed that officers from the group did take part in the violent demonstrations Force. Been formed during the 2011 Libyan civil war to topple Muammar Gaddafi we firmly believe this! Saw he was administered CPR for 90 minutes by Dr. Ziad Abu Zeid saying the attack allegedly brought end! September 11, 2012 premeditated or preplanned Clinton subsequently took responsibility for the security at... Replies ] to: Gritty 167 ], the CIA, repeated by government... Blind Sheikh in his inaugural address were informed that the illness was a terrorist organization in January 2014 operatives on... The hospital or transported the body to the U.N. Susan Rice appeared on television! Extremists with ties to al-Qa'ida participated in the aftermath, Clinton sought to take responsibility for failure... Present that leads us to conclude that Rice or any other government official acted in bad or! Misled the American consulate in Benghazi from the group 's armored vehicle was by.

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