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Capture of Zubayr al-Bakoush
Zubayr al-Bakoush was taken into custody and brought to the United States. He arrived at Andrews Air Force Base on Friday, February 6, 2026.
He was involved in the September 11, 2012, on the U.S. Department of State diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya that killed four Americans. The U.S. Ambassador to Libya, a U.S. Department of State employee, and two security contractors were killed during the attack. He will face federal charges for terrorism, arson, and murder.
Ambassador Chris Stevens, State Department employee Sean Smith, and two CIA contractors - Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were killed.The attackers assaulted the diplomatic mission with assault rifles and explosives.
In 2013, the Justice Department filed sealed complaints against over a dozen militants that are believed to have participated in the attack. Some news reports say that he was flown on an FBI jet from Misrata, Libya to Andrews Air Force Base, Virginia. He faces an eight-count indictment. He was first charged in a complaint in 2015.
He suffered some health issues in the past several years brought on by a stroke in 2015. He held a senior position in the Ansar al-Sharia Benghazi organization, fought during the Dignity War, and finally moved to Tripoli in 2014. At the time of his arrest in February 2026 he was 58 years old.
Official U.S. government statements say that he was captured by "partners overseas" and transferred to U.S. custody. He is the third individual to be charged in connection with the Benghazi attack to be brought to U.S. justice.
His full name is Zubayr Hassan Omar al-Bakoush. He is a Libyan that was affiliated wit the Ansar al-Sharia Benghazi (AAS-B). The group is now known as Ansar al-Sharia Libya. They are suspected to be affiliated with al-Qaeda.
During the Libyan Revolution in 2011, when Omar Gaddafi was overthrown, he fought with the Free Libya Martyrs Brigade that was led by Wissam bin Humaid. In early 2012, he joined AAS-B and in September 2011 participated in the U.S. Consulate attacks.
Prior to 2011 he was involved with the Scouting program. Some reports say that he used to recruit boys from the Boy Scout program to join a militant group. His son is also in the Scouts.
News Reports
"Attorney General Bondi, Director Patel, U.S. Attorney Pirro Make Press Announcement", U.S. Department of Justice, February 6, 2026.
"Justice Dept. announces arrest of 'key participant' in 2012 Benghazi attack", by Jeremy Roebuck, The Washington Post, February 6, 2026.
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