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What happened in Benghazi is an aggravation, ‘a craw in our side’, with many veterans still today. It is a sad story of Americans being abandoned by their nation, and it’s unfortunately been used by many politicians for political gain. Excuses were made to explain what happened and to somewhat justify it. Both Republicans and Democrats distort the facts during TV appearances and hearings. But the damage to those left behind - the families and survivors - seems forgotten, without explanation.
Many Americans don’t even understand what these men and women went through - they were living in hell for the thirteen hours preceding the final assault and the evacuation from the CIA annex. Many incorrectly think that the four Americans - Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty - died during the initial assault on the U.S. Diplomatic Compound. There was actually four separate attacks; the first attack on the compound and then three more on the CIA annex where everyone fled to after the first assault. Also, ten others were injured in these attacks. The compound was not an embassy, which means that it didn’t have the normal security detail or bunkering/protections that an American Embassy has. Only five diplomatic security special agents were in Benghazi at the time of the attack; two of them were there by chance, having traveled with Ambassador Stevens from Tripoli. One mile away, a CIA team at the annex was the quick reaction force for the compound, but no one was supposed to know that the CIA security team existed.
Ambassador Stevens was adored by many Libyans and had a great fondness for the country. He felt he could make a difference in the lives of those in Libya, and wanted to show the people that the United States stood behind them in establishing a new democracy. Eastern Libya, Benghazi in particular, was a key hub for intelligence operatives monitoring Ansar al-Sharia and members of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Along with Ambassador Stevens, Secretary of State Clinton also wanted a more permanent post in Benghazi.
There was quite a bit of instability in the region prior to the attacks of September 11, 2012. There was frequent IED-related violence. The International Red Cross office in Libya was attacked and there was an assassination attempt on Dominic Asquith, the British ambassador. Requests were made for more security, but according to the regional security officer, Eric Nordstrom, they were rebuffed. Nordstrom told media that, for him and his staff, “it was abundantly clear that [they] were not going to get resources until the aftermath of an incident.” Lt. Col Andrew Wood, U.S. site security commander in Libya, testified that a regional security officer had tried obtaining more personnel, but was never able to attain a level of security that he felt comfortable with. It was pretty well known within the American intelligence community during the months preceding the attack that Benghazi was unstable and increasingly dangerous - and that a significant attack was imminent.
Top U.S. officials reported the attack as if it had been a spontaneous protest created by an anti-Muslim video...yet there were no such protests immediately prior to the attacks. There was, however, every indication that everything was premeditated. The assault began at nightfall, by militants swathed in flak jackets with covered faces. They were armed with RPGs, hand grenades, AK-47s, mortars, and machine guns. With that level of artillery, it’s quite apparent that this was not a spontaneous protest.
But for some reason...that is what we were supposed to believe.
Ambassador Stevens and State Department information management officer, Sean Smith - an Air Force veteran, died during the initial assault on the compound. The Global Response Staff team, which included former SEAL Tyrone Woods, left the CIA annex approximately twenty minutes later as the Quick Reaction Force in order to aid and/or rescue everyone at the compound. The Quick Reaction Force evacuated everyone from the compound to the CIA annex where they began preparing for potential continuing assaults.
In the ensuing hours, attacks continued as they bunkered at the CIA annex waiting for reinforcements or rescue. Meanwhile another former Navy SEAL, Glen Doherty, and six other men (five CIA operatives and two volunteer Delta operators) gathered at the Tripoli Embassy preparing to mount a rescue - 406 miles away from Benghazi. Since this was not a planned evacuation or rescue attempt by U.S. leadership, they had to figure some way to get to Benghazi. They somehow garnered $30,000 and, with a little persuasion of a couple of Libyan military pilots, they got them to fly from the airport in Tripoli to Benghazi.
At the Benghazi airport, they met up with supportive Libyan troops who took the team of seven men to the CIA annex. Upon arrival, Glen Doherty met Tyrone Woods on the roof of the annex. Within minutes, mortars were fired and both were mortally wounded - two more Americans killed in Benghazi within hours. After this final assault, everyone remaining was transported to the Benghazi airport with the help of the same Libyan troops who assisted Glen Doherty and his team.
The whole incident is very disappointing to me, and something I will never forget. We, as Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors, exist under an oath stating that we will “never leave our brothers and sisters behind”... but these people were left to die. They were left alone - abandoned by the administration, Congress, and in a sense, by their country. Their families also seemed to be forgotten as they never received any explanation regarding this incident. The names of everyone else who had been in Benghazi were also quickly forgotten. It seemed as though many Americans heard enough and didn’t want the truth regardless of the facts...and still don’t. Overall, the incidents that day were incredibly tragic, and I will continue to hope that someday everyone will have the answers they need!
Many Americans don’t even understand what these men and women went through - they were living in hell for the thirteen hours preceding the final assault and the evacuation from the CIA annex. Many incorrectly think that the four Americans - Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty - died during the initial assault on the U.S. Diplomatic Compound. There was actually four separate attacks; the first attack on the compound and then three more on the CIA annex where everyone fled to after the first assault. Also, ten others were injured in these attacks. The compound was not an embassy, which means that it didn’t have the normal security detail or bunkering/protections that an American Embassy has. Only five diplomatic security special agents were in Benghazi at the time of the attack; two of them were there by chance, having traveled with Ambassador Stevens from Tripoli. One mile away, a CIA team at the annex was the quick reaction force for the compound, but no one was supposed to know that the CIA security team existed.
Ambassador Stevens was adored by many Libyans and had a great fondness for the country. He felt he could make a difference in the lives of those in Libya, and wanted to show the people that the United States stood behind them in establishing a new democracy. Eastern Libya, Benghazi in particular, was a key hub for intelligence operatives monitoring Ansar al-Sharia and members of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Along with Ambassador Stevens, Secretary of State Clinton also wanted a more permanent post in Benghazi.
There was quite a bit of instability in the region prior to the attacks of September 11, 2012. There was frequent IED-related violence. The International Red Cross office in Libya was attacked and there was an assassination attempt on Dominic Asquith, the British ambassador. Requests were made for more security, but according to the regional security officer, Eric Nordstrom, they were rebuffed. Nordstrom told media that, for him and his staff, “it was abundantly clear that [they] were not going to get resources until the aftermath of an incident.” Lt. Col Andrew Wood, U.S. site security commander in Libya, testified that a regional security officer had tried obtaining more personnel, but was never able to attain a level of security that he felt comfortable with. It was pretty well known within the American intelligence community during the months preceding the attack that Benghazi was unstable and increasingly dangerous - and that a significant attack was imminent.
Top U.S. officials reported the attack as if it had been a spontaneous protest created by an anti-Muslim video...yet there were no such protests immediately prior to the attacks. There was, however, every indication that everything was premeditated. The assault began at nightfall, by militants swathed in flak jackets with covered faces. They were armed with RPGs, hand grenades, AK-47s, mortars, and machine guns. With that level of artillery, it’s quite apparent that this was not a spontaneous protest.
But for some reason...that is what we were supposed to believe.
Ambassador Stevens and State Department information management officer, Sean Smith - an Air Force veteran, died during the initial assault on the compound. The Global Response Staff team, which included former SEAL Tyrone Woods, left the CIA annex approximately twenty minutes later as the Quick Reaction Force in order to aid and/or rescue everyone at the compound. The Quick Reaction Force evacuated everyone from the compound to the CIA annex where they began preparing for potential continuing assaults.
In the ensuing hours, attacks continued as they bunkered at the CIA annex waiting for reinforcements or rescue. Meanwhile another former Navy SEAL, Glen Doherty, and six other men (five CIA operatives and two volunteer Delta operators) gathered at the Tripoli Embassy preparing to mount a rescue - 406 miles away from Benghazi. Since this was not a planned evacuation or rescue attempt by U.S. leadership, they had to figure some way to get to Benghazi. They somehow garnered $30,000 and, with a little persuasion of a couple of Libyan military pilots, they got them to fly from the airport in Tripoli to Benghazi.
At the Benghazi airport, they met up with supportive Libyan troops who took the team of seven men to the CIA annex. Upon arrival, Glen Doherty met Tyrone Woods on the roof of the annex. Within minutes, mortars were fired and both were mortally wounded - two more Americans killed in Benghazi within hours. After this final assault, everyone remaining was transported to the Benghazi airport with the help of the same Libyan troops who assisted Glen Doherty and his team.
The whole incident is very disappointing to me, and something I will never forget. We, as Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors, exist under an oath stating that we will “never leave our brothers and sisters behind”... but these people were left to die. They were left alone - abandoned by the administration, Congress, and in a sense, by their country. Their families also seemed to be forgotten as they never received any explanation regarding this incident. The names of everyone else who had been in Benghazi were also quickly forgotten. It seemed as though many Americans heard enough and didn’t want the truth regardless of the facts...and still don’t. Overall, the incidents that day were incredibly tragic, and I will continue to hope that someday everyone will have the answers they need!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 232
It is a shame what the Obama administration did leaving those men to all alone to be killed and the misinformation given afterwards . we will never forget this stain on American history .
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Thanks for this, MSgt (Join to see). It was a heinous tragedy.
As SFC Dave Beran, SFC George Smith, and others mentioned, the finger of responsibility points to the top.
Interesting that none of the blame for to the members of Congress who denied funding for more security. Not exonerating Hillary or Obama… but spread the blame accordingly.
As SFC Dave Beran, SFC George Smith, and others mentioned, the finger of responsibility points to the top.
Interesting that none of the blame for to the members of Congress who denied funding for more security. Not exonerating Hillary or Obama… but spread the blame accordingly.
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SFC Dave Beran
If a General or Admiral gets people killed do you blame he NCOs? No. The denial of added security by HRC contributed. But not answering the phone was criminal. The budget constraints did contribute but the blame goes to the top
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MSgt (Join to see)
Capt Dwayne Conyers
I would agree Washington as a whole was responsible and contributed to the outcome.
I would agree Washington as a whole was responsible and contributed to the outcome.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
Capt, please, you really need to stop pushing this rhetoric. The larger federal budget cannot be realistically blamed here.
1. We pushed to go to Libya and involve ourselves overtly in their civil war when we had no business there. We could have easily allowed the Europeans handle it. They were quite capable and they did not need our support.
2. When those same Europeans pull out due to security concerns, you might want to reconsider your own safety and security. Why push (Clinton) to have the Ambassador leave the security of his own Embassy and go out to a much less defensible location on the other side of the country?
3. When the Ambassador tells you they need more security and you do not have the funding, again I point #2 and I also have to ask why did they not reallocate the funding? Federal budgets work on the macro level when Congress approves/disapproves them. In the same way one would blame Congress for denying the additional funds, I would do the same against the Dems for pushing for spending on programs which do not belong in the Federal Budget.
4. Congress did not specifically say "no new funds for Libya," they denied an increase in spending for additional overall Embassy security (i.e. Globally). If you want to play that game of semantics, consider this; according to the President then we had reached a new level of peace which was pushed by all his pundits. Quoting President Obama himself "if you had to choose any moment in history in which to be born, you would choose right now. The world has never been healthier, or wealthier, or better educated or in many ways more tolerant or less violent.” That was in 2017. So I ask you, why did they need all that additional security funding when they could have conceivably decreased it for other Embassies.
1. We pushed to go to Libya and involve ourselves overtly in their civil war when we had no business there. We could have easily allowed the Europeans handle it. They were quite capable and they did not need our support.
2. When those same Europeans pull out due to security concerns, you might want to reconsider your own safety and security. Why push (Clinton) to have the Ambassador leave the security of his own Embassy and go out to a much less defensible location on the other side of the country?
3. When the Ambassador tells you they need more security and you do not have the funding, again I point #2 and I also have to ask why did they not reallocate the funding? Federal budgets work on the macro level when Congress approves/disapproves them. In the same way one would blame Congress for denying the additional funds, I would do the same against the Dems for pushing for spending on programs which do not belong in the Federal Budget.
4. Congress did not specifically say "no new funds for Libya," they denied an increase in spending for additional overall Embassy security (i.e. Globally). If you want to play that game of semantics, consider this; according to the President then we had reached a new level of peace which was pushed by all his pundits. Quoting President Obama himself "if you had to choose any moment in history in which to be born, you would choose right now. The world has never been healthier, or wealthier, or better educated or in many ways more tolerant or less violent.” That was in 2017. So I ask you, why did they need all that additional security funding when they could have conceivably decreased it for other Embassies.
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It is not necessary for me to try and imagine what it must have been like to be there. I know what it is like to be totally helpless and surrounded by the enemy and far out numbered. I also know what it feels like to cry out for help, reinforcements, air support, artillery support and more and know that you calls will be heard and heeded. "Here comes the cavalry" so to speak. Those men and women were Americans, doing the business of America, trusting their government to come to their aid. But that did not happen. H Clinton showed her true colors during this event. I try not to get too political but my stomach turns at the thought of what happened in those couple days. A decision was made to abandon our men and women who were directly in harms way for the benefit of America. They were not there to improve their lot in life. They had a mission and were attempting to carry out that mission to the best of their ability. I know that they made the same commitment that the rest of have, that is, we wrote a blank check payable to the people of the United States in an amount of up to and including our very life. The situation in Benghazi was one that put America to the test of standing up for her citizen. It was within the power of several cabinet level department to take action to at least attempt to rescue these brave men and women. Think about and remember the SEAL team members that heard about the situation in Benghazi and, without awaiting orders (which would not have been forthcoming) voluntarily showed up body and soul to do everything humanly possible, at the risk of life, to rescue total strangers, fellow Americans facing certain assassination. All the men and women to have lost their lives must always, each and every one, be remembered. The courage under fire on display those three days goes as far above and beyond that is humanly possible. Yet, we, the American people, as represented by the cowards in Washington, turned our backs, threw up our collective hands and declared "Nothing we can do to help them." If it would have been at all possible I would have armed myself with my own (legal) weapons and ammunition and joined as many other of my brothers and sisters and responded from my home. Get us there and we are all in. In Vietnam there were a number of small unit that became separated from parent units only to become ...... well we all know. I am sure that scene has repeated in the wars of the 21st century as well.
I am still enraged by the response of Washington.
I can only add on last statement:
By this time you have already heard these words from our Father in Heaven: 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Matthew 25:22-24
Thank you for your service to our wonderful country. Your service and sacrifice has contributed to the greater glory of America!
May you rest in peace my friends, may the Lord's perpetual light shine upon you. I beseech the Lord's protection and care for your family and friends and fellow Americans during the time of grief - until the day we are all reunited in Heaven at the throne of God.
I am still enraged by the response of Washington.
I can only add on last statement:
By this time you have already heard these words from our Father in Heaven: 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Matthew 25:22-24
Thank you for your service to our wonderful country. Your service and sacrifice has contributed to the greater glory of America!
May you rest in peace my friends, may the Lord's perpetual light shine upon you. I beseech the Lord's protection and care for your family and friends and fellow Americans during the time of grief - until the day we are all reunited in Heaven at the throne of God.
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This kind of crowing about sounds particularly insincere. Despite investigations and the families themselves asking not to be exploited in these kinds of cheap political ploys, this nonetheless remains a rallying call for the right - despite so many other incidents and so many other lives lost under the watch of people they blindly supported and never plan to hold accountable.
Crocodile tears.
Crocodile tears.
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The sad part is most can't talk about this without including their own political opinion.
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SFC (Join to see)
My point is proven again and again. I think I might start bringing up George Bush and WMDs every time I talk about Iraq.
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SGM (Join to see)
Bring them up. I was there and I saw the evidence that WMDs were present. (Not atomic/nuclear, but there was clearly a facility for making bio weapons like botulisim toxin and anthrax, as well as chemical weapons like Sarin / GB.)
Besides even if you think someone lied, that's not an excuse for someone else to lie. Instead of supporting people who set the standard for behavior, or standard is now, "Well so-and-so did something worse, so my candidate gets a pass." What a CRAPPY way for "leaders" to behave.
Besides even if you think someone lied, that's not an excuse for someone else to lie. Instead of supporting people who set the standard for behavior, or standard is now, "Well so-and-so did something worse, so my candidate gets a pass." What a CRAPPY way for "leaders" to behave.
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SPC (Join to see)
I call how I see it...Obama and Clinton should be tried for treason and executed. I am short and to the point but the government has become soft and greedy. I don't sugar coat or glamorize BS
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Hundreds of Marines died at the Beirut Barracks due to total incompetence. Nothing even said. Bengazi was a CIA operation that went bad
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SSG Michael West
The group that was attacked was 1st Bn 8Th Marines on 23OCT1983 Beirut barracks and was the same group that was in the region when the hostages were released the bombing was an ordered hit against the US from the top spiritual leader of Iran who was Ruhollah Khomeini I was there for the hostage crisis .President Reagan made them look bad so they made Reagan look bad in return.
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SSG Edward Tilton
Khdaffi tricked us into having our "Special Operations Forces" training Black September
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MSgt (Join to see)
Beirut was a complete different situation. 1st Battalion 8th Marines had set up its local headquarters at the Beirut International Airport. Part of a Multinational Force in Lebanon. Both U.S. and French buildings where struck by separate truck bombs. There are no similarities between Beirut and Benghazi.
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I am really disappointed with our country. How could they turn their back on these people. I watched the movie that came out about Benghazi, and i cried. I couldnt believe what these people went through. My heart goes out to them and their family. God Bless You!!!!
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A perspective on this is that we have way more other losses which are never disclosed and full of Monday Morning Quarterbacking during this year of perfect 2020 hindsight. Aircrews, special ops, CIA and others have SEVERELY redacted reports which never convey the full truth. The CIA has stars and no names on its wall. Such is life on the tip of the spear.
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I almost threw up when I heard the Administration saying it was a spontaneous response to a video. Spontaneous means an attack with heavy weapon support and pincer movements? Duhhhhh? Then came the rumor of "Dr Morsi sent us." As soon as I heard of the attack, I said to my wife, They're after a swap, the ambassador for that blind sheik mullah, because Obama couldn't release him and not get hurt politically. I think the true story has yet to be told. I believe President Sisi probably has more info that we do not have access to. There has to be more to this BS that theyu are telling us. As usual, follow the $$$$$$$$ if it involves politics.
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