An alleged key participant in the 2012 Benghazi attack has been taken into custody and is expected to face federal charges in the United States, the Justice Department confirmed on Friday. The arrest marks the latest development in a long-running terrorism case stemming from the deadly assault on American facilities in Libya that left four U.S. officials dead, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, District of Columbia Attorney Jeannie Pirro, and FBI Director Kash Patel jointly announced the charges against Zubayar al-Bakoush, describing him as a significant figure in the coordinated attack. Officials said the suspect will be transferred to U.S. soil to stand trial on counts that include murder, terrorism, and arson.
“Al-Bakoush will now face American justice on American soil,” Bondi said in a statement, adding that prosecutors intend to pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law. Federal authorities have not disclosed details about the circumstances of his capture but emphasized that the arrest reflects continued efforts by the FBI and counterterrorism partners to hold those responsible accountable.
The Benghazi attack remains one of the most consequential security incidents involving U.S. diplomatic missions abroad in recent decades. On the night of September 11, 2012, militants linked to the extremist group Ansar al-Sharia launched a coordinated assault on two American government facilities in Benghazi. The violence began at a diplomatic compound where attackers breached the perimeter and set fire to the main building, trapping personnel inside.
Ambassador Stevens and Information Officer Sean Smith died from smoke inhalation during the initial phase of the attack. Hours later, militants targeted a nearby CIA annex with mortar fire, killing security contractors and former Navy SEALs Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty. The prolonged assault raised serious questions about embassy security and emergency response capabilities.
In the years that followed, the incident triggered investigations and legal action in the United States. Several suspects have already been prosecuted. Ahmed Abu Khatallah was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2018, while Mustafa al-Imam received nearly 20 years in 2020 for related terrorism offenses. Authorities say the new arrest demonstrates that the pursuit of additional suspects remains ongoing.
Officials underscored that the case is part of a broader strategy to deter future attacks on U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities worldwide. With al-Bakoush now facing prosecution in federal court, the Justice Department signaled its commitment to ensuring accountability for acts of terrorism that target American interests abroad.
