The United States has arrested Zubayr al-Bakoush, a significant figure in the deadly 2012 assault on its diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, and brought him to face charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the capture on Friday, emphasizing the Trump administration's commitment to justice. Al-Bakoush arrived at Andrews Air Force Base early that morning.
On February 6, 2026, U.S. authorities revealed the arrest of Zubayr al-Bakoush, linked to the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack in Benghazi that killed four Americans: Ambassador Christopher Stevens, information officer Sean Smith, and CIA contractors Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. The assault involved murder, terrorism, and arson charges against al-Bakoush, who was first indicted in a sealed 2015 complaint that remained hidden for 11 years.
Captured overseas, al-Bakoush was flown to Andrews Air Force Base at 3:00 a.m., where he was met by FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Bondi stated, "Al-Bakoush will now face American justice on American soil. We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law."
The operation drew on the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team, Critical Incident Response Group, and Special Flight Operations Unit. Patel highlighted the administration's focus, noting six FBI most-wanted fugitives captured in one year—two more than under the prior administration. He warned potential threats: "This is the fate you will meet. You will not be forgotten by us. We will chase you down."
Bondi referenced ongoing political echoes of the attack, which sparked investigations into security lapses and the Obama-era response, including criticism of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She countered Clinton's past remark, "What difference at this point does it make?" by saying, "It makes a difference to Donald Trump... And fourteen years later, it makes a difference to law enforcement."
Families of the victims expressed relief, having lost hope after years of waiting. Pirro, who will prosecute the case, personally informed relatives including Sean Smith's mother, Dr. Dorothy Woods (Tyrone Woods' widow), and Doherty's brother Greg and widow. Bondi added, "Donald Trump never forgets," underscoring the pursuit's persistence despite more suspects at large.
This follows the 2014 arrest of Ahmed Abu Khatallah, convicted on lesser charges and sentenced to 22 years after acquittal on murder counts.
