Special operations forces working in tandem with Libya and The United States on Sunday captured a top militant suspected of helping lead the deadly 2012 attacks against a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, the White House announced Monday.
“Yesterday, on my orders, United States forces captured Mustafa al-Imam in Libya,” President Trump said in a statement.
U.S. commandos grabbed al-Imam during a joint mission that was approved by both Trump and the Libyan government. The militant, who is set to be transported to the U.S. for federal prosecution, is seen as a key player in the assault against the consulate annex that resulted in the deaths of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.
“The United States will continue to support our Libyan partners to ensure that [the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria] and other terrorist groups do not use Libya as a safe haven for attacks against United States citizens or interests, Libyans, and others,” Trump’s statement said, stressing that he plans to pursue the other “perpetrators of the heinous attacks.”
“To the families of these fallen heroes: I want you to know that your loved ones are not forgotten, and they will never be forgotten,” he added.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday echoed that they will continue to track down those responsible for the attack.
“The Department of State family continues to mourn the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith, and Tyrone Woods, and we will spare no effort to ensure that justice is served for these dedicated Americans and public servants,” Tillerson said in a statement.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the attack a “barbaric crime” and said the arrest is “a major step forward in our ongoing investigation.”
Al-Imam, who could have operated under different aliases, was caught on video at one of the two Benghazi sites of the attacks, an administration official told.
Post Your Comments