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Well, I understand that; but one would think that the Ambassador would have security with him no matter where he was. And would not that security detail be US Marines? What a effin' mess.

Well, I understand that; but one would think that the Ambassador would have security with him no matter where he was.

Having visited more than a few consulates and other US diplomatic facilities in Africa over the years, while I hated to see this happen, I wasn't too surprised. I've seen a lot of half-assed situations with little to no security, or the security was locals. Or even worse, the security was to pay the potential troublemakers off.

I remember one time back in the 1990ss being sent to an area where we met the US representative, and he drove up in his "official" vehicle, which was a Toyota truck with no markings. No security or anything. In hindsight, smart, because he didn't stand out, but I know this stuff still happens, and these days it's dangerous as hell. The ambassador was a prime target.