Even without notice two marines that are properly armed could have wiped out a lot of Libyans. Once the bullets started flying most in the mob would have turned and ran. so I don’t believe this. Yes two Marines can stop 400 people in a mob - especially if they are in a compound. Perhaps the end result would have been the same but at least there would have been a bunch of dead Libyans and an honorable end - like the Alamo.
Did the rules of engagement permit the Marines to have ammunition?
“Even without notice two marines that are properly armed could have wiped out a lot of Libyans.”
True if they’re allowed to have live ammo and if the “Rules of Engagement” says that they can use that ammo.
As far as I know, there weren’t any Marines there at the time. Libya was providing security/police presence. The Marines or former SEALS came later after they (8 total) flew into Benghazi to help extricate the trapped consulate staff from the safe house (which wasn’t so safe). The group of eight teamed up with some Libyan group to get them to safety but all of them were immediately attacked. Somehow the thugs who attacked the embassy had access to the location of the safe house that the consular staff had escaped to. That second location was where the two Marines (or SEALS) were killed, I believe.