Official: No Marines in Libya at time of Benghazi attack

The Washington Times ^ | September 15, 2012 | Kristina Wong

[2ndDivisionVet]

No U.S. Marines were in Libya when protesters stormed a diplomatic mission in the eastern city of Benghazi and killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans late Tuesday, a senior Obama administration official said Saturday.

The official’s comments contradict earlier reports of a small Marine presence at State Department facilities in the North African nation.

The U.S. diplomatic compound breached Tuesday by Libyan protesters in Benghazi had a relatively light security posture compared to diplomatic facilities in other conflict zones.

Marines are guarding diplomatic facilities in Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen, Defense Press Secretary George Little told reporters Thursday.

“The State Department has the lead for embassy security around the world. Naturally, if they ask for our advice in given situations, we’ll offer it up, no question about it,” Mr. Little said in response to a question about who plans security at embassies and diplomatic facilities.

Part of the reason Marines were not stationed at the Benghazi compound is that it is not an embassy or consulate, but a “diplomatic mission,” officials said.

In some conflict zones, State Department officials work in buildings other than embassies or consulates in order to conduct “expeditionary diplomacy” — establishing an initial presence and building a relationship with locals, as in post-revolution Libya, officials said.

Senior administration officials described the facility in Benghazi as an “interim” one that the State Department had acquired before the fall of dictator Moammar Gadhafi, consisting of a main building and several ancillary buildings, as well as an annex farther away....

[basil]

You’re probably right—I’m easily confused these days-—Whichever, why on earth were they disarmed? That’s the question.....

[basil]

You’re probably right—I’m easily confused these days-—Whichever, why on earth were they disarmed? That’s the question.....

[Americanexpat]

Well if they are not going to let them carry live ammo then they don’t need Marines there kinda defeats the purpose huh? Besides that why not find out if the Amassador in Lybia ever requested Marine guards or not. Some of these guys are real dumb asses you know, I mean the ammbassador in Egypt had Marines and she wouldn’t give them live ammo.

[Americanexpat]

You know she is goingn to run based on her state Deptment expierience and she will win. You know why? Because we have too many stupid people in the country who are still in love with the Clintons.