Overview of Back to Benghazi | Episode 1: The Consulate
In this first episode of a special Back to Benghazi series, Sarah Adams recounts her return to Benghazi with Dave “Boone” Benton and uses the visit to walk through the history of the U.S. consulate, the deteriorating security environment in the city, and the events leading up to the September 11, 2012 attack. The episode is heavily focused on the consulate side of the Benghazi story, with Adams setting up the broader series to cover the lead-up, the attack itself, and the aftermath.
What the Episode Covers
The Benghazi consulate’s origins
- Adams explains that what people commonly called the “U.S. consulate” in Benghazi was later described more narrowly as a U.S. mission facility.
- She says the site began operating as a diplomatic outpost in 2011, when Chris Stevens arrived during the Libyan revolution as a special envoy.
- After the Tabesti Hotel was bombed, Stevens reportedly stayed at the CIA annex for a short period before the two compounds were linked to create the consulate facility.
Chris Stevens’ role in Libya
- Stevens is described as deeply involved in U.S. engagement during the Libyan revolution.
- Adams says he returned to Libya in 2012 as U.S. ambassador and wanted to get back to Benghazi because of his connection to the city.
- The episode emphasizes that he had plans to use a future Benghazi visit to discuss proposals for a new consulate compound.
Deteriorating security in Benghazi
- A major theme is that Benghazi became increasingly dangerous in 2012.
- Adams describes:
- assassinations of officials and foreigners,
- militant checkpoints and armed groups,
- the rise of Ansar al-Sharia,
- and the influence of Islamist militias and allied political actors.
- She frames the city as effectively controlled by terrorist and militia networks, with security institutions compromised by insider threats.
A timeline of escalating incidents
The episode walks through several events Adams sees as warning signs:
- January 2012: assassination of the former Libyan ambassador to France.
- Spring 2012: expansion of militant influence and formation of Ansar al-Sharia Benghazi.
- June 2012: a U.S. drone strike on Abu Yahya al-Libi is presented as a catalyst for retaliation.
- June 2012: a hole is blown in the consulate wall and a militant parade demonstrates power in the city.
- July 2012: a number of assassinations and the detention of seven Iranians intensify tensions.
- August 2012: car bombings and attacks continue, including one involving an Egyptian diplomat.
- September 2012: Stevens’ visit is scheduled, and the attack date is chosen after militants obtain his itinerary.
The Attack Narrative
Planning and insider threats
- Adams says the attackers had inside help from local security forces and staff connected to the compound.
- She claims the assailants used surveillance, knew the layout, and planned around the ambassador’s schedule.
- According to her account, the attackers split into groups:
- one group entered the compound,
- another blocked surrounding streets to prevent reinforcements.
Attack sequence on September 11, 2012
- The episode gives a rough timeline:
- 6:45 a.m.: suspicious observation of the compound by a guard or police figure.
- 9:42 p.m.: the main assault on the consulate begins.
- The attackers reportedly shoot an RPG at a camera first.
- A fire is set in the building where Stevens was sheltering.
- 11:10 p.m.: a second attack on the consulate occurs.
- 11:16 p.m.: a vehicle leaving the compound is ambushed.
- Adams emphasizes that the attackers’ goal was reportedly to kidnap Stevens for prisoner exchanges, not to kill people on site.
Immediate aftermath
- Adams says the CIA response team eventually entered the compound, found Sean Smith, and believed Stevens may have been taken alive.
- She states Stevens was later found by local residents and brought to Benghazi Medical Center.
- The episode presents the event as a failed kidnapping attempt that turned into a deadly attack.
Return to the Site and Aftermath
Visiting the restored building
- One of the most emotional parts of the episode is the visit back to the former consulate building.
- Adams describes the main villa as restored and still standing, now part of a private family compound.
- She notes that the building that burned during the attack has been rebuilt, and that local owners preserved much of the structure.
Criticism of U.S. government response
- Adams argues the State Department failed the property owners:
- no damages were paid,
- the lease was not fully honored,
- and the owners were left to rebuild on their own.
- She contrasts this with the CIA, which she says paid its obligations.
- She calls for more accountability and concrete action against those responsible.
A small sign of remembrance
- The owner reportedly said someone leaves flowers at the site every September 11.
- Adams treats this as a meaningful, anonymous act of remembrance for Stevens and the others killed.
Main Takeaways
- The episode frames Benghazi as a city taken over by militant networks after the fall of Gaddafi.
- Adams argues the consulate attack was not a surprise event, but the result of months of escalating violence and ignored warnings.
- She portrays insider compromise, poor security, and missed diplomatic opportunities as central to the tragedy.
- The return visit is used to highlight both the human cost of the attack and the unfinished business of accountability and reconstruction.
Series Setup
Adams ends by saying this is the first installment in a larger series that will cover:
- what happened before the Benghazi attacks,
- what happened during them,
- and what happened afterward.
The broader goal of the series, as she presents it, is to correct the historical record and push for continued action against the militants she says were responsible.