The Hill
US special forces nab suspected Benghazi ringleader in secret raid
By Rebecca Shabad
06/17/14

U.S. special forces have captured a suspected ringleader of the 2012 Benghazi attacks in a secret raid Sunday in Libya.

The capture marks the first time the U.S. has apprehended a suspect in the terror attack that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, and would deliver a significant national security victory for the White House.

Ahmed Abu Khattala was taken into custody by U.S. troops after a military operation near Benghazi, according to the Pentagon.

President Obama said he had authorized the raid to detain Khattala and that his administration from the beginning has been committed to finding those responsible for the attack.

“The fact that he is now in U.S. custody is a testament to the painstaking efforts of our military, law enforcement, and intelligence personnel," Obama said. "Because of their courage and professionalism, this individual will now face the full weight of the American justice system.”

Obama said the U.S. will continue to bring to justice other people behind the attacks and will “remain vigilant” against all acts of terrorism.

The Pentagon said Khattala had been taken with no civilian or U.S. casualites.

“There were no civilian casualties related to this operation, and all U.S. personnel involved in the operation have safely departed Libya,” Pentagon spokesman Adm. John Kirby said.

He added that Khattala was in “U.S. custody in a secure location outside of Libya,” but declined to offer specifics.

Republicans in Congress quickly signaled that how Khattala is treated by the administration could become a political issue.

The Justice Department charged Khattala in federal court last year, signaling a possible civilian trial for the terrorist. But Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he should be sent to the Guantanamo Bay prison as an enemy combatant.

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a statement said it was good news that Khattala was in custody, but suggested the military should be able to question him without Miranda rights being read...

Read the rest of the article at The Hill