Patel says alleged terrorist in 2012 Benghazi attack extradited to US, will face charges

"After more than a decade of American pursuit, Al-Bakoush landed in Virginia earlier this morning and is in custody," FBI Director Kash Patel said

Published: February 6, 2026 10:15am

Updated: February 6, 2026 10:16am

FBI Director Kash Patel said Friday that an alleged terrorist in the attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi in 2012 has been extradited to U.S., and will face charges "later today."

"Early this morning, the @FBI and our partners executed a Foreign Transfer of Custody (FTOC) of Zubayr al-Bakoush - one of the individuals allegedly behind the deadly 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya where four Americans were killed: Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty," Patel posted on X on Friday.

"After more than a decade of American pursuit, Al-Bakoush landed in Virginia earlier this morning and is in custody. He will face charges later today. We will have more to say at a later time - but this is a massive moment for the country and a clear message from President Trump’s administration that those who attack our service members will ultimately find American justice, no matter how long it takes. Thank you to our great partners who helped execute the mission - @AGPamBondi @TheJusticeDept @USAttyPirro and @CIA @StateDept for assisting us."

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