Category: Finance | Title: 13 Hours Real Story Who Died: Facts About the Benghazi Attack and Private Security Contractors | Tag: Benghazi Attack | Meta Description: Factual breakdown of the 2012 Benghazi attack, the contractors who died, and the private security companies involved...
What Happened During the 13 Hours in Benghazi
On September 11, 2012, armed militants attacked the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, and a nearby CIA annex. The assault lasted approximately 13 hours and resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The event triggered extensive investigations into diplomatic security and intelligence failures Forbes coverage of the attack.
The CIA annex, also known as the "compound," came under fire around 9:40 p.m. local time on September 11. A team of approximately 30 private military contractors from Global Elite Team and other firms was present at the annex. These contractors were tasked with protecting the CIA station and its personnel during the attack CIA response overview.
Who Died in the Benghazi Attack
The four Americans who died were Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and former Navy SEALs Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. Stevens died from smoke inhalation at the diplomatic compound, while Smith, Woods, and Doherty died at the CIA annex from a mortar attack during the final assault Forbes attack details.
The Private Security Contractors Who Fought Back
Private military contractors from Global Elite Team, a subsidiary of the private military company formerly known as Blackwater, were the first responders at the CIA annex. They engaged the attackers with small arms and sniper fire for hours, attempting to suppress the militants and protect the CIA officers inside the compound Forbes contractor details.
Contractor Casualties and Aftermath
No contractors from Global Elite Team died during the 13-hour battle, though several were wounded. The contractors faced criticism and legal scrutiny in the years following the attack, with questions raised about their rules of engagement and coordination with U.S. diplomatic and intelligence officials CIA contractor response.
Companies, Investigations, and Security Failures
The State Department contracted with multiple private security firms, including Global Elite Team and Blue Mountain Security, to protect the Benghazi mission. The compound lacked adequate fortifications, and the security team was under-equipped relative to the threat level in eastern Libya at the time Forbes security analysis.
Multiple U.S. government investigations examined the attack, including the Accountability Review Board led by retired diplomat Thomas Pickering and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen. The investigations concluded that security failures at all levels contributed to the deaths, and the State Department subsequently tightened private