The US has captured a key suspect in the deadly attack on its Benghazi consulate in Libya in 2012 that killed the US ambassador and three other Americans, the Pentagon said today.
Ahmed Abu Khatallah was arrested on June 15, Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby said.
"He is in US custody in a secure location outside of Libya. There were no civilian casualties related to this operation, and all US personnel involved in the operation have safely departed Libya," Kirby said in a statement welcomed by Americans but also seen as a major development in bringing to justice the perpetrators of the terrorist strike.
"The United States has an unwavering commitment to bring to justice those responsible for harming Americans. Since the deadly attacks on our facilities in Benghazi, I have made it a priority to find and bring to justice those responsible for the deaths of four brave Americans," President Barack Obama, said.
Obama said he recently authorized an operation in Libya to detain Khatallah for his role in the attacks.
The fact that he is now in US custody is a testament to the painstaking efforts of US military, law enforcement, and intelligence personnel, he said.
Four American nationals, including the then US Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, were killed in the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi on September 11, 2012.
"All Americans should be grateful for their service, just as we are grateful to all our personnel - civilian and military - who represent our country around the globe. We will continue to honour our fallen by carrying on their efforts in support of the Libyan people's aspirations to live in a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic society," Obama said.
"With this operation, the United States has once again demonstrated that we will do whatever it takes to see that justice is done when people harm Americans. We will continue our efforts to bring to justice those who were responsible for the Benghazi attacks," said the US President.
Khatallah would appear in a US court soon, officials here said. According to a criminal complaint filed by the Department of Justice, Khatallah has been charged on three counts.
