US commandos capture Libya attack 'ringleader'
US commandos have captured the suspected ringleader of a deadly 2012 attack on a US compound in the Libyan city of Benghazi, in a raid hailed by the White House as a triumph for justice.
Special forces, working with FBI agents, carried out Sunday's stealth operation in Libya under cover of darkness and withdrew without losses, though Washington was disclosing few details.
Ahmed Abu Khatallah is now en route to the United States, where he could face the death penalty, officials said on Tuesday.
The raid represented a victory for US President Barack Obama, who has faced intense criticism over his administration's handling of the Sept 11, 2012, Benghazi assault and its aftermath.
Four US citizens, including US ambassador Christopher Stevens, were killed when gunmen stormed the US consulate and set it on fire. A CIA outpost was also targeted.
"The United States has an unwavering commitment to bring to justice those responsible for harming Americans," Obama said.
"Since the deadly attacks on our facilities in Benghazi, I have made it a priority to find and bring to justice those responsible for the deaths of four brave Americans."
There were no civilian or other casualties in Sunday's raid and US troops taking part in the operation have "safely departed Libya", Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said.
Kirby would not say whether Washington gave advance notice to Tripoli. He said it was a "unilateral" action without any Libyan forces involved.
The suspect was being held temporarily on a naval ship, according to defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The 2012 Benghazi attack shocked Washington and became a highly charged political issue, raising questions about security at US missions. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton faced hostile questioning before lawmakers over the issue.
Republicans alleged that the White House failed to respond decisively and then tried to hide some facts in the grisly episode.
The Obama administration has accused critics of politicizing a tragic event and says that it has divulged all the details of the case.
(China Daily 06/19/2014 page12)
