Providence Research

Benghazi Providence Research

On the evening of September 11, 2012, Islamic militants attacked the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, killing U. S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and U. S. Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith. Stevens was the first U. S. Ambassador killed on duty since 1979. Several hours later, a second assault targeted a different compound about one mile away, killing two CIA contractors, Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty. Ten others were also injured in the attacks. The United States immediately increased security worldwide at diplomatic and military facilities and began investigating the Benghazi attack. In the aftermath of the attack, State Department officials were criticized for denying requests for additional security at the consulate prior to the attack. As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton subsequently took responsibility for the security lapses. Initially, it was reported by the media the Benghazi attack was a spontaneous protest triggered by an anti-Muslim video, Innocence of Muslims. Subsequent investigations determined that there was no such protest and that the attacks were premeditated, though captured suspect Ahmed Abu Khattala stated that the assault was in retaliation for the video. On August 6, 2013, it was reported that the U. S. had filed criminal charges against several individuals, including militia leaderAhmed Abu Khattala, for alleged involvement in the attacks. Khattala has been described by Libyan and U. S. officials as the Benghazi leader of Ansar al-Sharia, which was listed in January 2014 by the U. S. Department of State as a terror organization. On the weekend of June 14, 2014, U. S. special forces, in coordination with the FBI, captured Khattala in Libya. This book gives the details needed for you to come to your own conclusions about negligence, preparedness, and what to do in the future.