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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!
Benghazi
Benghazi
American History
Command Post
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 232
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There is only one thing to do !! Arrest her! But rest assured she will never spend a day in jail.
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Maybe this time they will do something to Clinton. And the rest of her gang. There was a lot of crap going o and I really believe they thought they could walk away clean. Our government failed us then and with the Democrats it will some more.
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MSgt John McGowan
What about the spineless coward that had the helm for the last 8 years. I think he went to bed during the attack then they send Susan Rice out to talk to press.Trump had nothing to do with Benghazi. That's Hillary and Obama's screw up. As much as come out the last few months and you sound like a Democrat. The level of corruption at the Federal level has placed a dark cloud over Washington and Trump isn't draining the swamp. The Democrat is the party of the left and Socialist wannabe. And the Republican is the do nothing party with a few, very few that is good.
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MSgt John McGowan
SFC Anthony Bennett So you don't like Trump, what the big deal, I didn't like Obama. So one does one doesn't tlike the other man. I did notice you didn't say anything about the corruption and the hard charging socialist the left is coming to.And I say Washington is broken and Hillary certainly isn't the one to fix it. I had one on RP to tell me she was innocent of all charges. My real point is I didn't come on RP to bellyache, bitch and moan. I will not answer any of your comments and everyone has their own people they like. And no you didn't get the best of me and I didn't get the best of you. So have a good life and in 2000 we will see who is right.No, that will take a little time
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Sgt Michael Sayles
He went to bed early because he had a fund raiser the next day, he traded 4 American lives for money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This is a political concern as there were no Servicemembers involved in this. Are you concerned about the Soldiers that died on Niger?
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MSgt (Join to see)
Of course, we all should be. But there are very different circumstances between the two incidents. The troops were looking for a high-ranking Islamic State militant. But were victims of poor planning and command failures that left them outnumbered and ill-equipped for a major firefight. Air support for the patrol arrived in about 90 minutes, and medevac helicopters arrived a little over five hours after the attack.
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America is not to blame for this travesty or is it? We allow our political system and those we entrust in Congress and the Executive Branch the ability to govern without responsibility. The level of idiocracy demonstrated by our government at the time, only testifies to the fact they are incapable of making rash, sound judgements creating more problems than actually working to lessen those situations which contribute to this level of disconcert. What’s disturbing about Benghazi is the needless loss of life. Far to often politicians recklessly and without thought sit back in their arm chairs and convince themselves that collateral damage, loss of life, is a necessity without weighing all the facts.
The conscience immature decision of the Secretary of State and the others involved is clearly one of self-preservation. America has the most powerful, best trained, best equipped and dedicated military in the world, and yet these sniveling politicians were able to pass the buck and point fingers while these brave men fought for and loss their lives. These same politicians are too secure in the positions they hold. Many has asked; how do we rid ourselves of such cowardly representation? The only answer to that particular question must come from each and every American. How are we to expect change when these same inefficient politicians continue to get reelected? Who is the blame? The blame falls entirely upon each and every voting American.
With all the information thus far provided by numerous individuals and organizations, we know support and assistance was available and those in government opted to ignore the plea for help. Now the biggest question of all must be who, if anyone will be brought before a Grand Jury to answer for this outrage? Our Justice system has been tainted for the last eight years so it’s expectant nothing will be done and no one will be held fully accountable. Instead, these same politicians will continue their self-appointed political careers making unreasonable, unethical decisions causing more damage and perhaps even more deaths.
We will never see justice for these four men, but we can as voters, show these same politicians out the door by enforcing term limits, refusing to reelect them to office. We must turn away from the old political guard in order to elect more vibrant, conscience and dedicated individuals to office. Newer, younger faces bring newer changes. If elected their changes can be no worse then what this old political guard has imposed upon America. Once and for all take a stand and let your conscience be your guide.
The conscience immature decision of the Secretary of State and the others involved is clearly one of self-preservation. America has the most powerful, best trained, best equipped and dedicated military in the world, and yet these sniveling politicians were able to pass the buck and point fingers while these brave men fought for and loss their lives. These same politicians are too secure in the positions they hold. Many has asked; how do we rid ourselves of such cowardly representation? The only answer to that particular question must come from each and every American. How are we to expect change when these same inefficient politicians continue to get reelected? Who is the blame? The blame falls entirely upon each and every voting American.
With all the information thus far provided by numerous individuals and organizations, we know support and assistance was available and those in government opted to ignore the plea for help. Now the biggest question of all must be who, if anyone will be brought before a Grand Jury to answer for this outrage? Our Justice system has been tainted for the last eight years so it’s expectant nothing will be done and no one will be held fully accountable. Instead, these same politicians will continue their self-appointed political careers making unreasonable, unethical decisions causing more damage and perhaps even more deaths.
We will never see justice for these four men, but we can as voters, show these same politicians out the door by enforcing term limits, refusing to reelect them to office. We must turn away from the old political guard in order to elect more vibrant, conscience and dedicated individuals to office. Newer, younger faces bring newer changes. If elected their changes can be no worse then what this old political guard has imposed upon America. Once and for all take a stand and let your conscience be your guide.
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Gordon Bleam
Very nicely worded. We need accountability for all our actions and inactions.
In my view people where I live (beautiful but messy Los Angeles) people are so concerned with appearances, greed and what they can do for their immediate needs forgetting (or ignoring) consequences, it is tiring.
I personally live by 3 letters,L M E (Legal, Moral and Ethical) as long as I stay within my lane and try to educate those around without preaching, as ife my opinion is the only one, then I can sleep at days end.
Our voting public (and the 41% of non voters) is in turmoil. If you like our current Commander & Chief or not, he has recently motivated a tremendous number of people to vote, albeit by being divisive. But at least they are involved in politics maybe even slightly aware. The Benghazi travesty is being remembered by us here, if we all talk to one person a day, just to remind them of what happened maybe it will make a difference, at least it will keep the dead's names on our tongue
Amb Stevens
Smith
Doherty
Woods
In my view people where I live (beautiful but messy Los Angeles) people are so concerned with appearances, greed and what they can do for their immediate needs forgetting (or ignoring) consequences, it is tiring.
I personally live by 3 letters,L M E (Legal, Moral and Ethical) as long as I stay within my lane and try to educate those around without preaching, as ife my opinion is the only one, then I can sleep at days end.
Our voting public (and the 41% of non voters) is in turmoil. If you like our current Commander & Chief or not, he has recently motivated a tremendous number of people to vote, albeit by being divisive. But at least they are involved in politics maybe even slightly aware. The Benghazi travesty is being remembered by us here, if we all talk to one person a day, just to remind them of what happened maybe it will make a difference, at least it will keep the dead's names on our tongue
Amb Stevens
Smith
Doherty
Woods
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i will always remember those warriors and Ambassador Stevens who were abandoned by our government and left to die!!! i will also remember killary's famous quote "what difference does it make" when she talks about Benghazi! She is am embarrassment to the Office of Secretary of State and should have been held accountable for her inactions and the loss of American's lives at Benghazi!!!
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Benghazi will be long remembered as dereliction of duty and the ensuing cover-up by the highest levels of government. The fact that an American Ambassador and 3 others died is sad, but Americans die every day and in less heroic situations than this.
General Carter Ham was relieved of command for attempting to send in reinforcements. There was cover-up by then Secretary of State Clinton - by cover-up, I mean outright lies. There was the Susan Rice “Lie to the Media” circuit in which she went on 5 consecutive programs feeding the same line intended to deceive the American people.
All of this was done to protect the re-election of Barack Hussein Obama less than 60 days after the attack. Their personal political motive in lying to the American people is why the stench of Benghazi will be in nostrils of American Patriots until that Administration is dead and buried.
General Carter Ham was relieved of command for attempting to send in reinforcements. There was cover-up by then Secretary of State Clinton - by cover-up, I mean outright lies. There was the Susan Rice “Lie to the Media” circuit in which she went on 5 consecutive programs feeding the same line intended to deceive the American people.
All of this was done to protect the re-election of Barack Hussein Obama less than 60 days after the attack. Their personal political motive in lying to the American people is why the stench of Benghazi will be in nostrils of American Patriots until that Administration is dead and buried.
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I watched a person with no integrity, degrade the military people in Vietnam. I speak of Jane Fonda. I will die holding her in account for her treasonous behavior.
I watch both a President and Secretary of State commit acts of cowardous by not sending in the help needed in Benghazi.
One then demanded she should be elected to the Presidency.
I thank those smart enough to see the real problems our nation faces, and not elect her.
I will never give my vote to cowards, to tyrants, to those who try to act as if they are better then me.
Hillary and Barack are now gone, both on the sidelines, but neither playing in the game. For that I'm greatful.
I pray that people like them never get into positions of responsibility that allows them to further erode our great nation.
No more Tyrants. No more Cowards. No more!
I watch both a President and Secretary of State commit acts of cowardous by not sending in the help needed in Benghazi.
One then demanded she should be elected to the Presidency.
I thank those smart enough to see the real problems our nation faces, and not elect her.
I will never give my vote to cowards, to tyrants, to those who try to act as if they are better then me.
Hillary and Barack are now gone, both on the sidelines, but neither playing in the game. For that I'm greatful.
I pray that people like them never get into positions of responsibility that allows them to further erode our great nation.
No more Tyrants. No more Cowards. No more!
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