Libya Attack Sparks Crisis

The killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans, in one of the most brazen attacks on a U.S. diplomatic compound in a generation, sparked a security crisis in the North African country, elevated tensions across the Middle East and raised concerns about how well the U.S. can protect its diplomats abroad.

The U.S. responded to the assault by dispatching two Navy destroyers, dozens of Marines, federal investigators and intelligence assets to Libya to protect Americans and help hunt the suspected religious extremists who carried out the attack late Tuesday. U.S. officials described the attack that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens as complex and possibly premeditated.

The assault in the Libyan city of Benghazi, along with a protest at the American embassy in Cairo, fueled a harsh exchange between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney.

Mr. Obama said the U.S. will work with Libya to bring the attackers to justice. He and other officials didn't rule out a U.S. strike. "Make no mistake, justice will be done,'' the president said.

The assault took place on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, a day when security officials are typically on heightened alert. American officials, who debriefed survivors, described a horrifying scene in the consulate where, amid thick smoke and gunfire, Mr. Stevens became separated from his security officer.

When the armed men arrived in the consulate neighborhood, "we couldn't stop them," said Saleheddine al-Arghoubi, a nearby resident. "They were multiplying, minute by minute. There were hundreds of them."

As attacks increased and flames in the consulate grew, personnel were forced to abandon the consulate building without the ambassador. American officials retrieved his body when it was brought to the airport the next day by Libyans.
http://www.rappler.com/thewrap/september-13,-2012-edition/libyan-attack-sparks-crisis