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‘Janitor-level’: US arrests Benghazi terror suspect — ex-CIA targeter Sarah Adams not impressed

February 7, 2026 | | Print Article

The Justice Department’s latest purported big win toward accountability wasn’t met with unanimous praise, as a Benghazi-related arrest more than a decade coming turned out to be “janitor-level.”

Years removed from public hearings and the film “13 Hours,” Americans have not forgotten Ambassador Chris Stevens, former U.S. Navy SEALs Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, and Information Officer Sean Smith, all killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack. Friday, as the DOJ announced it had brought an alleged coconspirator into custody, mixed reactions found many deflated to learn Zubayar Al-Bakoush was such a “lower-level figure.”

In addition to a press conference featuring U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and FBI Director Kash Patel, statements from the officials had included the latter laying out the big picture regarding Al-Bakoush and his eight-count indictment.

“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,” wrote Patel. “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,” added Patel, who asserted “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.”

Acknowledging, “Yes, he’s a real piece of sh*t!” former CIA intelligence official Sarah Adams responded, “He’s a lower-level figure from our attacks. We knew today’s announcement was coming, and frankly, we were hoping it would be Hashem Abu Sidra. So, there is still much more work to do for justice.”

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The co-author of the book, “Benghazi: Know They Enemy,” Adams presented how Al-Bakoush was referred to as Boy Scout #36 because he recruited from the Scouts to become terrorists. “Boy Scout suffered a stroke several years ago and hasn’t been a player for some time. Others are still actively plotting against us. We hope now with renewed energy the public will finally help push to get one of the senior plotters behind our attacks onto the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. This is a win, but we need to go much higher. It’s time to go after the big fish, it’s time to put Abdul Azim Ali Musa bin Ali on the X.”

Of course, while many voiced their gratitude that anyone related to the attack on the embassy was being held accountable, remaining hopeful for bigger fish to fry as a result, others couldn’t help but view the announcement as performative, even echoing the damnable line from then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, “What difference at this point does it make?” that Americans refuse to let slide by unaddressed.

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Kevin Haggerty
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