Thirteen years after militants torched the U.S. compound in Benghazi, killing four Americans, justice finally lands with the FBI’s arrest of a key attacker—proving America never forgets.
Story Snapshot
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces FBI arrest of Zubayr Al-Bakoush, alleged Ansar al-Sharia member in 2012 Benghazi attack.
- Suspect arrived at Andrews Air Force Base at 3 a.m. on February 6, 2026, greeted by FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
- Faces charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism support, and arson; third Benghazi suspect headed for U.S. prosecution.
- Trump administration credits renewed focus for global pursuit, vowing more arrests.
- Victims’ families notified, marking long-delayed closure amid past political controversies.
Benghazi Attack Unfolds on September 11, 2012
Ansar al-Sharia militants breached the main gate of the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, with about 20 fighters. They set fires that trapped and killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and State Department employee Sean Smith inside. A subsequent mortar attack on the nearby CIA annex claimed CIA contractors Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. Libya’s post-Gaddafi chaos fueled the volatile militia hub where Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a local resident, allegedly participated.
Al-Bakoush’s Alleged Role Sets Him Apart
Zubayr Al-Bakoush joined the initial breach and arson. Court documents detail his post-attack surveillance of the compound and attempts to access vehicles for further exploitation. Prosecutors unsealed a 13-page indictment in Washington, D.C., federal court charging him with murder, attempted murder, providing material support to terrorists, and arson. This marks the third U.S. prosecution of Benghazi suspects, after Ahmed Abu Khatallah’s 28-year sentence in 2024 and Mustafa al-Imam’s 19 years in 2019.
Trump Administration Secures the Arrest
FBI agents captured Al-Bakoush overseas in an operation backed by State Department and CIA. He transferred overnight to Andrews Air Force Base at 3 a.m. on February 6, 2026. Patel and Pirro met the plane, signaling inter-agency resolve. Bondi held a DOJ headquarters press conference that morning, declaring the arrest delivers justice for the fallen. Families received prior notice, addressing their long-held doubts.
Pirro stressed commitment despite elapsed time, informing victims’ kin directly. Officials affirmed more suspects remain at large, with pursuits ongoing. This effort contrasts sharply with prior administration hesitations, aligning with conservative priorities of unyielding accountability and national security.
Bondi and Officials Vow No Escape for Terrorists
Bondi stated plainly: “You can run, but you cannot hide.” She credited President Trump’s Justice Department for finding fugitives globally. Pirro echoed: “There are more of them out there,” pledging full prosecution. Al-Bakoush faced initial court appearance later that February 6 day. The rapid unsealing and custody transfer underscore operational efficiency under new leadership.
Trump’s policy backing enabled this persistence, honoring heroes like Stevens, Smith, Woods, and Doherty. Common sense demands such follow-through; half-measures erode deterrence against jihadists.
Justice Delivers Short and Long-Term Wins
Court proceedings promise revelations on attack details, boosting counterterrorism morale short-term. Families achieve a justice milestone after years of waiting. Long-term, the arrest deters terrorists worldwide, affirming U.S. extradition power. Diplomats gain reassurance for risky postings. Politically, it bolsters law-and-order credentials, critiquing past lapses like Clinton’s infamous dismissal.
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Bondi announces one of the arrests of one of the key participants in Benghazi attack
Justice Department announces arrest in Benghazi attack
