2012 Benghazi attack facts for kids
The 2012 Benghazi attack happened on the night of September 11, 2012. Armed groups attacked the United States diplomatic building, called a consulate, in Benghazi, Libya. During the attack, US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and US diplomat Sean Smith were killed. Ambassador Stevens was the first US Ambassador to die while on duty since 1979. Two other US diplomats also died in the attack. At first, people thought it was an angry crowd. But later, it was clear it was a planned terrorist attack.
Late on September 11, 2012, about 150 gunmen blocked the streets near the US Consulate. They used pickup trucks with the logo of Ansar al-Sharia. The attack started about an hour later. Seven Americans were inside the building. Five of them were armed security officers.
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What Happened Before the Attack?
Events in Libya
In February 2011, a civil war began in Libya. People rebelled against Muammar al-Gaddafi and his government. A few weeks later, US envoy Chris Stevens came to Benghazi, Libya's second largest city. He arrived on April 5 by cargo ship. In August, Gaddafi was forced out of the capital, Tripoli. On October 20, 2011, Gaddafi was killed. Chris Stevens was named Ambassador to Libya in May 2012. His main office was in Tripoli. Security staff working for the US government asked for more protection, but their requests were turned down.
On September 9, Ambassador Stevens met with Islamic militia leaders in Benghazi. They warned him about threats against Americans from extreme groups in Benghazi. They also told the ambassador and his group to leave "as soon as possible." However, they also said they wanted American investments in Libya. They asked how soon Benghazi could get a McDonald's and a KFC.
The Day of the Attack
On September 11, hours before the attack, Ambassador Stevens sent a message to the State Department. He warned that the situation was getting worse. Later, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she did not know what was happening at that time. She explained that the State Department gets over a million messages each year. After the attack started, a rescue team began getting ready. But the ambassador had died before the team could leave Italy. After the attack, more than 30 Americans were safely moved out of Benghazi.
The CIA's Role in Benghazi
Five US commandos were at the CIA base in Benghazi. This base was about a mile from the consulate. They heard the attack begin and got ready to rescue the ambassador. But they later said the CIA station chief stopped them. He told them to stay at the CIA base. They also got a radio message from the consulate saying, "If you guys do not get here, we are going to die!" The CIA later said they were trying to get local Libyan groups to help the consulate. But they also said they did not stop the commandos from rescuing the consulate members.
What Happened After the Attack?
American troops and law enforcement captured Ahmed Abu Khattala on June 15, 2014. He is thought to be the leader of the group that carried out the attack. Other suspects also had secret charges filed against them.
On May 8, 2014, the United States House Select Committee on Benghazi was created. Its job was to investigate the 2012 Benghazi attack. The chairman of this committee was Representative Trey Gowdy from South Carolina.
Images for kids
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Map of the U.S. mission main compound and annex
See also
In Spanish: Asalto al consulado estadounidense en Bengasi para niños
