Two years after the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, the primary suspect is now in U.S. custody.
"Officials say it happened over the weekend on Sunday in Libya, an effort by U.S. Special Operations forces aided by the FBI to arrest this man we've known of for so long, Ahmed Abu Khattala." (Via MSNBC)
The Washington Post broke the story. According to the paper, the Pentagon's press secretary says Khattala, a Libyan militia leader, is now "in a secure location outside of Libya." He also said there were no causalities in the operation and all U.S. personnel involved are safe.
Khattala's capture marks the first time the U.S. has nabbed one of the suspects in connection with the Sept. 11, 2012, terror attack that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. (Via ITN)
But as The New York Times reported back in 2012, Khattala has denied he had any involvement in the attack, and he has been living in plain sight ever since.
The capture is a big victory for the Obama administration. President Obama has been criticized, in particular from Republicans, for not bringing those responsible for the attack to justice. (Via The White House)
Critics have accused the administration of misleading the public about what really happened. In May, the Republican-led House voted to form a select committee to investigate. (Via House Republicans)
The U.S. filed criminal charges last summer against Khattala and several others suspected of planning the Benghazi attack. Khattala is expected to face prosecution in a U.S. court.
