More than 13 years after the deadly attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, federal officials announced Friday that an alleged key participant has been brought to American soil to face charges.

The Arrest

Zubayar al-Bakoush arrived at Joint Base Andrews at 3 a.m. on Friday morning, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Justice Department announced an eight-count indictment against al-Bakoush, including charges of murder, terrorism, and arson related to the September 11, 2012 attack.

“Al-Bakoush will now face American justice on American soil,” Bondi stated during the announcement, which was made alongside U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and FBI Director Kash Patel.

Officials declined to specify exactly where or when al-Bakoush was apprehended, noting only that the arrest occurred “overseas.”

The 2012 Benghazi Attack

The attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi remains one of the most significant security incidents in recent American diplomatic history. On September 11, 2012, armed militants assaulted the compound, resulting in the deaths of four Americans:

  • Ambassador Chris Stevens - The U.S. Ambassador to Libya
  • Sean Smith - State Department information management officer
  • Tyrone Woods - CIA contractor and former Navy SEAL
  • Glen Doherty - CIA contractor and former Navy SEAL

The assault began in the evening and continued into the early morning hours, with a second wave targeting a nearby CIA annex. The attack sparked intense scrutiny of security measures at diplomatic facilities and the U.S. response to the crisis.

A Case More Than a Decade in the Making

According to officials, the case against al-Bakoush was originally brought during the Obama administration in 2015, with the indictment remaining sealed for more than ten years. The lengthy gap between indictment and arrest highlights the challenges of apprehending suspects in unstable regions.

The United States has not maintained an embassy in Libya since 2014, owing to ongoing civil conflict and security concerns following the 2012 attack. American diplomats handling Libyan affairs have operated from the U.S. embassy in neighboring Tunisia.

Previous Prosecutions

Al-Bakoush is not the first individual to face U.S. justice in connection with the Benghazi attack. In 2017, Ahmed Abu Khattala was convicted of terrorism charges related to his role in the assault, though he was acquitted of murder. He received a 22-year prison sentence.

The prosecution of al-Bakoush represents a continued effort to hold accountable those allegedly responsible for the deaths of the four Americans.

What Happens Next

Al-Bakoush will face prosecution in the District of Columbia. At the time of the announcement, it was unclear whether he had obtained legal representation.

The case is expected to draw significant public attention, given the enduring significance of the Benghazi attack in American political discourse. However, the focus of the legal proceedings will center on the specific charges outlined in the 2015 indictment.

This is a developing story. Additional details may emerge as the legal process unfolds.