Key Benghazi Attack Participant Taken Into Custody

Zubayr Al-Bakoush charged in 2012 attack that killed 4 Americans

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A key participant in the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans has been taken into custody and will be prosecuted in their deaths, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday. Zubayr Al-Bakoush was flown to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and faces an eight-count indictment for the murders of Ambassador Chris Stevens and State Department employee Sean Smith, among other charges.

Why it matters

The 2012 Benghazi attack was a divisive political issue, with Republicans challenging the Obama administration's response and security measures. This arrest represents a long-sought effort to hold those responsible accountable for the deaths of four Americans.

The details

On the night of September 11, 2012, at least 20 militants armed with AK-47s and grenade launchers breached the gate of the U.S. consulate compound in Benghazi and set buildings on fire, leading to the deaths of Stevens and Smith. A large group then assembled to attack a nearby U.S. facility known as the annex, resulting in the deaths of security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.

  • On September 11, 2012, the attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi occurred.
  • On Friday, February 6, 2026, Zubayr Al-Bakoush was taken into custody and flown to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

The players

Zubayr Al-Bakoush

A key participant in the 2012 Benghazi attack who has been taken into custody and will be prosecuted for the murders of four Americans.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who announced the capture of Al-Bakoush and the pending prosecution.

Chris Stevens

The U.S. Ambassador to Libya who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack.

Sean Smith

A State Department employee who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack.

Tyrone Woods

A security officer who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack.

Glen Doherty

A security officer who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack.

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What they’re saying

“We have never stopped seeking justice for that crime against our nation.”

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (wbal.com)

“The evidence was inconclusive and that he was singled out because of his ultra-conservative Muslim beliefs.”

— Ahmed Abu Khattala (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Zubayr Al-Bakoush to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This arrest represents a long-standing effort to hold those responsible for the 2012 Benghazi attack accountable, though the political divisions over the incident remain. The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting such complex international attacks and the ongoing debate over security measures and the administration's response.