A retired Marine who fought against Islamic extremists during the 2012 siege of a U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya, expressed his relief upon hearing that one of the attackers had been captured.
The assault resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including two Navy SEALs.
“I’m really glad he’s facing accountability. It shows the world we’re not giving up—unless, you know, it’s absolutely unwarranted,” Mark “Oz” Geist told the Post.
“We will go after those who have harmed our people.”
Zubayar al-Bakush, identified as one of the leaders of Ansar al-Sharia, a group pushing for Sharia law in Libya, was apprehended and is currently in U.S. custody. Geist received updates from U.S. officials prior to Bakush’s transportation to Washington, D.C., facing charges of murder and terrorist conspiracy.
Geist, a seasoned government contractor, played a key role in defending against the brutal attack, which left him with 24 bullet wounds. Having undergone several surgeries on various parts of his body, he still has numerous fragments lodged within him.
With 22 deployments under his belt, Geist was stationed on the roof of the CIA annex during the assault. These days, he is committed to the Shadow Warrior Project, which aims to support military personnel who have served covertly in sensitive operations.
After the attack, he was treated in a military hospital, but his pay was cut off since he was no longer in the combat zone.
He travels with his loyal companion, a Belgian Malinois named “Roan,” after his friend and fellow contractor Tyrone Woods, one of those who lost their lives that day.
Other victims included U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, contractor Glenn Doherty, and IT specialist Sean Smith.
Geist mentioned that he plans to attend part of Bakush’s trial, given that he was among the 20 attackers who stormed the U.S. compound in Benghazi, according to an indictment.
He tries not to dwell on those attackers still at large. “I can’t let them occupy space in my mind,” he stated.
