Suspect in deadly 2012 Benghazi attack in custody, officials say

February 6, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the capture and transfer of Zubayr Al-Bakoush, identified as a key participant in the 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Al-Bakoush faces eight criminal counts, including murder charges related to the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens and State Department employee Sean Smith, stemming from an indictment originally filed in 2015 but recently unsealed. The operation to apprehend him involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, special tactical units, and international partners, though officials declined to specify his location prior to arrest.

Who is affected

Zubayr Al-Bakoush (suspect now in custody)
Families of the four Americans killed: Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty
U.S. Department of Justice
FBI and other U.S. agencies involved in the operation
International partners who assisted in the capture
Other remaining suspects still being pursued

What action is being taken

Al-Bakoush is being charged with eight counts, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and conspiracy to provide materials for terrorists
The U.S. is continuing its pursuit of additional suspects in the Benghazi case
Al-Bakoush is being prosecuted following his transfer to U.S. custody

Why it matters

This arrest represents continued accountability for the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed four Americans and became one of the most politically controversial foreign policy incidents of the Obama administration. The successful capture demonstrates the U.S. government's sustained commitment to pursuing justice for attacks on American diplomatic personnel, even years after the events occurred. It also sends a message to other suspects that time and distance will not prevent prosecution for attacks on U.S. facilities and personnel abroad.

What's next

The U.S. will continue pursuing additional suspects in the Benghazi case
Al-Bakoush will face prosecution on the eight-count indictment

Read full article from source: BBC