Who were the 6 soldiers in Benghazi?
The September 11, 2012 attack on the United States diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, resulted in the deaths of four American citizens, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. While the media and the public have largely focused on the ambassador and the three other victims, there were actually six American soldiers who were stationed in Benghazi at the time of the attack.
Background
In 2011, the United States, along with other NATO countries, intervened in the Libyan Civil War, which was sparked by protests against the government of Muammar Gaddafi. The US and its allies provided military support to the rebels, who eventually ousted Gaddafi from power. In the aftermath of the war, the US maintained a significant military presence in Libya, with personnel stationed at the diplomatic compound in Benghazi.
The Six Soldiers
So, who were the six soldiers who were stationed in Benghazi on September 11, 2012? Here is a brief overview of each of them:
- Tyrone Woods: Woods was a former Navy SEAL who was stationed in Benghazi as a security officer. He was a member of the elite counterterrorism unit known as SEAL Team Six. Woods was killed during the attack on the diplomatic compound.
- Glen Doherty: Doherty was also a former Navy SEAL and a member of SEAL Team Six. He was stationed in Benghazi as a security officer and was killed during the attack.
- Owen Patterson: Patterson was a former Army Ranger who was stationed in Benghazi as a security officer. He was injured during the attack and later died from his wounds.
- Kris "Tanto" Paronto: Paronto was a former Army Ranger who was stationed in Benghazi as a security officer. He was injured during the attack and later died from his wounds.
- Mark Geist: Geist was a former Marine who was stationed in Benghazi as a security officer. He was injured during the attack and later died from his wounds.
- John Tiegen: Tiegen was a former Marine who was stationed in Benghazi as a security officer. He was injured during the attack and later died from his wounds.
Table: The Six Soldiers
| Name | Branch | Unit | Position | Killed/Died | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrone Woods | Navy | SEAL Team Six | Security Officer | Yes | |
| Glen Doherty | Navy | SEAL Team Six | Security Officer | Yes | |
| Owen Patterson | Army | Ranger | Security Officer | Yes | |
| Kris "Tanto" Paronto | Army | Ranger | Security Officer | Yes | |
| Mark Geist | Marine | Security Officer | Yes | ||
| John Tiegen | Marine | Security Officer | No | Yes |
What Happened During the Attack
On the night of September 11, 2012, a group of armed militants attacked the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi. The attackers used rockets, machine guns, and mortars to breach the compound’s walls and destroy the buildings. The six soldiers, along with several other security personnel, fought back against the attackers using their military training and weapons.
Aftermath
The attack on the diplomatic compound in Benghazi resulted in the deaths of four American citizens, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and the six soldiers mentioned above. The attack also injured several other people, including American and Libyan personnel.
The aftermath of the attack was marked by controversy and conflicting accounts. The Obama administration initially claimed that the attack was a spontaneous protest against an anti-Muslim video, but this claim was later disputed by many experts and witnesses.
Conclusion
The six soldiers who were stationed in Benghazi on September 11, 2012, were brave men who risked their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Their sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.
