Third Suspect Arrested in Benghazi Attack Case
On February 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the recent arrest of Zubair al-Bakush, a significant figure in the 2012 terrorist assault on a U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya. This action marks another step in ongoing efforts tied to the case.
Details surrounding the 58-year-old’s capture remain limited; U.S. officials are cautious regarding the operational security and ongoing investigative aspects. Reports suggest that al-Bakush was detained overseas as part of a long-standing FBI initiative in collaboration with international partners. This extradition contrasts with the direct capture of Ahmed Abu Khattala in 2014 by U.S. forces, as he was handed over to U.S. officials instead.
Flight data indicates that his extradition took place from Libya. An FBI aircraft flew from Misrata, Libya, landing at a small airport in northern Virginia in the early hours of Friday morning. He was subsequently transferred to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
During a press conference at the DOJ, Attorney General Pam Bondi, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia, made the announcement. Bondi expressed pride in the capture and reiterated the U.S. commitment to pursuing justice for crimes against its citizens.
“We have never stopped pursuing justice for crimes against our nation,” Bondi stated. “Today, I am proud to announce that the FBI has arrested one of the key participants in the Benghazi attack. Zubair Al Bakush is currently in our custody.”
Upon his arrival in the U.S., an eight-count indictment was unsealed, charging al-Bakush with numerous serious offenses, including:
- Murder of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens
- Murder of State Department intelligence officer Sean Smith
- Attempted murder of other U.S. military personnel
- Conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization
The charges relate to the deadly attack on September 11-12, 2012, which targeted a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi and resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including the aforementioned ambassadors and CIA contractors Tyrone Woods and Glenn Dougherty. Islamic extremists linked to Ansar al-Sharia were responsible, storming the compound and engaging in violent confrontations.
Al Bakush has been implicated in extremist activities in Libya and has been a target for U.S. authorities for over ten years. His arrest marks the third extradition related to the Benghazi incident. Previously captured, Abu Khattala, the main organizer, was convicted in 2017, while Mustafa al-Imam was sentenced in 2017 for his involvement in the attack.
The Benghazi attack has continued to draw political scrutiny since it occurred, leading to several investigations and public debates focusing on security shortcomings and the adequacy of the official response. Bondi referenced Hillary Clinton’s 2015 Congressional testimony during her remarks, highlighting ongoing discussions around the incident and accountability.
“Hillary Clinton once famously said of Benghazi, ‘What difference does it make at this point?'” Bondi remarked. “Well, it makes a difference for Donald Trump,” reinforcing the commitment to holding individuals accountable.
Looking ahead, al-Bakush is expected to make his initial court appearance in Washington, D.C. However, it’s still uncertain if he has secured legal representation. The case will proceed in federal court within the District of Columbia, marking a notable national security action endorsed by top administration officials.
