benghazi

Strawberry-Frappe-Sipping Benghazi Suspect Captured in Secret Raid

An armed man waves his rifle as buildings and cars are engulfed in flames after being set on fire inside the US consulate compound in Benghazi late on September 11, 2012. An armed mob protesting over a film they said offended Islam, attacked the US consulate in Benghazi and set fire to the building, killing one American, witnesses and officials said.
Photo: STR/AFP/Getty Images

Republicans most of all will be heartened — but also doubtlessly “troubled” in some way or another — to hear that the alleged ringleader of the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack in Libya has been caught after two years of living the “cafe life.” Ahmed Abu Khattala, a designated terrorist wanted in the Benghazi attack that killed four Americans, was known to meet with American journalists openly, even spending “two leisurely hours” a month after the attack with a New York Times reporter “at a crowded luxury hotel, sipping a strawberry frappe on a patio and scoffing at the threats coming from the American and Libyan governments.” They don’t have fancy drinks where he’s going now.

The Washington Post reports that Khattala was captured in a “secret raid” over the weekend, and is “en route” to the U.S., according to anonymous officials. He’s expected to be arraigned in Washington, D.C. The State Department calls Khattala a “senior leader” of the terrorist organization Ansar al-Shari’a.

A government official, described as “jubilant” by the Post, called Khattala’s capture “a reminder that when the United States says it’s going to hold someone accountable and he will face justice, this is what we mean.” Republicans may still call it a distraction from the distractions.

In fact, it’s started already:

Hillary Clinton remains at large.

Benghazi Suspect Abu Khattala Finally Caught