At least 75 people were killed in militia clashes in Benghazi on May 16 and 17, and 140 were injured. 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. [66]:7475 In the aftermath, Clinton sought to take responsibility for the security lapses at Benghazi and expressed personal regret. "[183] He went on to say: There was no intelligence that in any way could have been acted on to prevent these attacks. Share this via LinkedIn 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (8:30 p.m. Benghazi time): U.S. [103] According to Dr. Zeid, Stevens died from asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation, and had no other apparent injuries. T hose caught up in the excitement and . "[212] When Romney challenged Obama, asking "You said in the Rose Garden the day after the attack, it was an act of terror. [7] Senior intelligence officials later . This claim was disputed by Glenn Kessler of The Washington Post in a "Fact Checker" article, which explored at length the difference in meaning between the phrases "act of terror" and "act of terrorism. Please try again. The US ambassador to Libya dies after militiamen attack the consulate in Benghazi in protest at a US-made film said to insult the Prophet Muhammad. In January 2020, Libyan national Mustafa al-Imam was sentenced to more than 19 . On February 15, 2011, anti-government rallies were held in Benghazi by protesters angered by the arrest of a human rights lawyer, Fethi Tarbel. We provided that initial assessment to Executive Branch officials and members of Congress As we learned more about the attack, we revised our initial assessment to reflect new information indicating that it was a deliberate and organized terrorist attack carried out by extremists. It's approximately 120 square miles and has a population of about 632,000 people. 2848; 113th Congress). [166] Hours before the announcement, in Derna, the two main militias (one of them Ansar al-Sharia) active in the city both withdrew, leaving both their five military bases behind. [40]:4748 The evacuation of about 30 Americans included six State Department personnel and Smith's bodythey were unable to locate Ambassador Stevens at the time. WASHINGTON The death toll in Libya after more than two months of violence could reach as high as 30,000, an Obama administration official said Wednesday . "[133], In a September 18 appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, President Obama said, "extremists and terrorists used (the anti-Muslim YouTube video) as an excuse to attack a variety of our embassies. [40]:16, J. Christopher Stevens was named the first liaison with the Libyan opposition in March 2011. In Benghazi and Derna, HRW found that roughly 35 people have been killed in seemingly targeted assassinations each month, on average, from January to May of this year. On Sept. 11, 2012, Ansar l-Sharia armed militants attacked a U.S. diplomatic compound and then a CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya, killing four Americans, including U.S. [234], Robert Gates, former CIA director and Defense Secretary under Republican Presidents and then President Obama, said that some critics of the government's response have a "cartoonish" view of military capabilities. Former UN Ambassador John Bolton called the concussion a "diplomatic illness".[220]. [235], President Obama called the criticism a "sideshow"[236] and later accused Congress of "taking its eye off the ball" on the subject of the economy and focusing on "phony scandals". On-the-record testimony establishes that the CIA was not sending weapons from Libya to Syria, or facilitating other organizations or states that were transferring weapons from Libya to Syria. [40]:58[44], There was some baseless speculation that the diplomatic post in Benghazi was used by the CIA to smuggle weapons from Libya to anti-Assad rebels in Syria. [119][120][121] CNN,[119] the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace,[122] Commentary Magazine[121] and The Daily Telegraph[120] have listed this group as a chief suspect. As Doherty attempted to reposition and take cover, a second round fell on him, killing him. [167], Handling the militias had been difficult as the government had been forced to rely on some of them for protection and security. Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, located in the northern part of the country. The GNC also failed to reverse a 2012 law that grants immunity from prosecution for acts "promoting or protecting the [2011] revolution," which in practice propagated a culture of impunity and selective justice. And the growing impunity only fuels the violence. [79] They then spread diesel fuel in the room and set fires. 3,751. consulate. [219] The incident prompted Republican Rep. Allen West to claim that the illness was a ruse intended to avoid testifying. [31][32][33][34][35] He also stated that "Chris [Stevens] wanted to make a symbolic gesture to the people of Benghazi that the United States stood behind their dream of establishing a new democracy. People in and out of government have alleged that a CIA response team was ordered to "stand down" after the State Department compound came under attack, that a military rescue was nixed, that officials intentionally downplayed the role of al-Qaida figures in the attack, and that Stevens and the CIA were involved in a secret operation to spirit weapons out of Libya and into the hands of Syrian rebels. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty died in the attack at the Mission and the nearby Annex in Benghazi. Consulate attacked. "Many Libyans believe that unrest in their country is in part the work of Gaddafi's loyalists who want to undermine efforts to rebuild the country after last year's ruinous civil war," said the AP. [60][61], On June 18, 2012, the Tunisian Consulate in Benghazi was attacked by individuals affiliated with Ansar al-Sharia, allegedly because of "attacks by Tunisian artists against Islam". citizens.[185]. And while the violence is reprehensible and unjustified, it is not a reaction to the 9/11 anniversary that we know of, or to U.S. policy. Popular protests against the militias have only led to more bloodshed. [213] A May 14, 2013 Fact Checker by Glenn Kesler said that "Immediately after the attack, the president three times used the phrase "act of terror" in public statements. But that has now changed: The victims now include journalists and activists who opposed former dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi during the 2011 uprising, but who dare to criticize the militias, Libya's new masters. Sensitive documents remained missing, including documents listing the names of Libyans working with the Americans, and documents relating to oil contracts. [138], Also in October, a Libyan suspect, Karim el-Azizi, who had recently returned to Egypt from Libya and was storing weapons in his hideout, detonated a bomb and was found dead in his apartment after clashes with security forces. [200] According to the article, senators were angered at the Obama administration's rebuff of their attempts to learn details of the Benghazi attack, only to see that information published the next day in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He stated that he would have responded with equal caution given the risks and the lack of intelligence on the ground, and that American forces require planning and preparation, which the circumstances did not allow for. [124], In the days and weeks following the attack, President Obama and other administration officials correctly noted that the video had sparked violent incidents at a number of U.S. diplomatic facilities, and Susan Rice stated based on a flawed CIA assessment[125] that the attack "began spontaneously" after a violent protest at the American embassy in Cairo, Egypt hours earlier. [154], In the days after the attack, The New York Times stated that young Libyans had flooded Twitter with pro-American messages after the attacks. Haftar's forces renewed their air strikes on Islamist militia bases on June 1, triggering clashes that injured dozens and resulted in the deaths of at least eight people. [159], On September 16, Libyan President Mohamed Magariaf said that the attack on the United States consulate was planned months in advance,[160] 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. [40]:4647[94] 31-year-old Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent David Ubben and 46-year-old CIA contractor Mark Geist suffered shrapnel injuries and several broken bones in the mortar attacks.[95]. [75] He hit the alarm and started shouting, "Attack! On September 28, a spokesman for the Director of National Intelligence stated, In the immediate aftermath, there was information that led us to assess that the attack began spontaneously following protests earlier that day at our embassy in Cairo. [179], On September 12, it was reported that the United States Navy dispatched two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USSMcFaul and USSLaboon, to the Libyan coast. The [Intelligence Community] has a process, I understand, going with the other committees to explain how these talking points came out. Stevens sent cables to D.C., including a Benghazi weekly report of security incidents . A taxi driver in Tripoli told me recently he "hated Qaddafi," but wished for a Qaddafi to bring back some order. Knew in First Hours After Attack in Libya", "October 28: John Kasich, Scott Walker, John Hickenlooper, E.J. [72][77] They then threw grenades over the wall and entered the compound with automatic weapons fire, RPGs, and heavier weapons. [173], After the attack, Obama ordered that security be increased at all such facilities worldwide. The fighter planes based in Aviano were unarmed and no aerial refueling planes were within a 10-hour flight to the base. On September 12, U.S. President Barack Obama condemned "this outrageous attack" on U.S. diplomatic facilities[173] and stated that "since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths. On May 19, militias said to be from the western city of Zintan joined Haftar's campaign and . [82], According to the Annex Security Team, they had become aware of the consulate attack after 9:30p.m. local time, and were ready to respond; however, they were delayed by "the top CIA officer in Benghazi". That's the first version of events we heard. It isI mean, I think the DNI spokesman was very declarative about this that the report is false. [218], Secretary Clinton was scheduled to testify before Congress on December 20 about the attack. Get updates on human rights issues from around the globe. In May, retired Gen. Khalifa Haftar took matters into his own hands, launching "Operation Dignity" -- an armed campaign aimed at fighting Islamist militia "terrorists," and thus ending the bloodshed. Minutes after they drove through the gates, the annex came under heavy fire. The crowd almost certainly was a mix of individuals from across many sectors of Libyan society. [259] No further public investigations have been conducted since. [147], 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." Freedom of Information Act requests have been made since the attack. "[216] CBS News reported earlier on October 24 that the video of the assault was not recovered until 20 days after the attack, from the more than 10 security cameras at the compound. That led Susan Rice, then U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to inaccurately assert that the attack had evolved from a protest, when in fact there had been no protest. [102] There he was administered CPR for 90 minutes by Dr. Ziad Abu Zeid. There is no easy answer to what happens next, and no magic wand. [209] The crime scene was not secured during that time; neither American nor Libyan investigators were able to secure the scene. [106], Four Americans died in the attack: Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Information Officer Sean Smith,[107] and two CIA operatives,[108] Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods,[109] both former Navy SEALs. In addition, no AC-130 gunships were within a 10-hour flight of Libya, and their crews did not reach a staging base in Italy until 19 hours after the attack began. "[156] Another poll in Eastern Libya, taken in 2011, reported that the population was at the same time both deeply religious conservative Muslims and very pro-American, with 90% of respondents reporting favorable views of the United States. "[191], 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. [38] Within months of the start of the Libyan revolution in February 2011, the CIA had begun building a covert presence in Benghazi. When Johnson pressed her to explain why, in the immediate aftermath, no one from the State Department had asked American evacuees if there had been a protest before the attack, Clinton replied: With all due respect, the fact is, we had four dead Americans! The team then decided to return to the annex with the survivors and Smith's body. [151] Think Progress stated that Libyans are typically more positively inclined towards the United States than their neighbors. [82] Three agents returned to the main building in an armored vehicle, searched the building and found Smith's body, but not Stevens. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice appeared on five major interview shows to discuss the attacks. [132] And that is what we know thus far based on the evidence, concrete evidence. Without a functioning legal system, the house of cards that is the Libyan state will collapse. After some discussion, the CIA's Global Response Staff (GRS) at the CIA annex, which included Tyrone S. Woods, decided to attempt a rescue. By Neil Vigdor. [38] In addition, it has been reported that in the summer of 2012, American Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) missions had begun to target Libyan militias linked to the Al-Qaeda network of Yasin al-Suri. Magariaf, Amb. I have heard dozens of judges, activists, and journalists in Benghazi express helplessness and fear of being next in line. The Board released their final report on December 19, 2012. Mr Hondros was wounded in an . Consequently, her testimony was postponed. [140] Jamal Abu Ahmad, a former member of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, was released from Egyptian prison after the fall of the Mubarak regime, after which he began assembling a terrorist network. President Obama responded, "The day after the attack, governor, I stood in the Rose Garden and I told the American people and the world that we are going to find out exactly what happened," Obama said. The steady drumbeat of killings has left Libyans despairing about whether anyone can bring security to their volatile country. 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", "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, "US ambassador killed in Libya: investigators probe whether Benghazi assault was planned", "Libya Attack Pre-Planned By Terror Group? The team, which included two active-duty JSOC operators and five CIA personnel, had commandeered a small jet in Tripoli by paying the pilots $30,000 and forcing them to fly to Benghazi. Main article: 2012 Benghazi attack. Ibrahim al-Sanussi Agilah, head of intelligence for the eastern region, was gunned down in his car on May 8. [citation needed]. A look at the events surrounding the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, and the controversy that followed. [223] Spain authorized the basing of the quick response force at Morn Air Base near Seville, for a temporary one-year term. The incident sparked controversy and ignited a political firestorm in the United States. None of that is true, according to the House Intelligence Committee report. 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