Findings
This progress report reveals a fundamental lack of understanding at the highest levels of
the State Department as to the dangers presented in Benghazi, Libya, as well as a concerted
attempt to insulate the Department of State from blame following the terrorist attacks. The
Committees’ majority staff summarizes findings to date as follows:
Before the Attacks:
�� After the U.S.-backed Libyan revolution ended the Gadhafi regime, the U.S. government
did not deploy sufficient U.S. security elements to protect U.S. interests and personnel
that remained on the ground.
�� Senior State Department officials knew that the threat environment in Benghazi was
high and that the Benghazi compound was vulnerable and unable to withstand an
attack, yet the Department continued to systematically withdraw security personnel.
�� Repeated requests for additional security were denied at the highest levels of the State
Department. For example, an April 2012 State Department cable bearing Secretary Hillary
Clinton’s signature acknowledged then-Ambassador Cretz’s formal request for additional
security assets but ordered the withdrawal of security elements to proceed as planned.
�� The attacks were not the result of a failure by the Intelligence Community (IC) to
recognize or communicate the threat. The IC collected considerable information about the
threats in the region, and disseminated regular assessments to senior U.S. officials warning of
the deteriorating security environment in Benghazi, which included threats to American
interests, facilities, and personnel.
�� The President, as Commander-in-Chief, failed to proactively anticipate the significance
of September 11 and provide the Department of Defense with the authority to launch
offensive operations beyond self-defense. Defense Department assets were correctly
positioned for the general threat across the region, but the assets were not authorized at an
alert posture to launch offensive operations beyond self-defense, and were provided no notice
to defend diplomatic facilities.
http://www.speaker.gov/sites/speaker.house.gov/files/documents/libya-progress-report.pdf
