13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi - A True Story
Introduction
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" is a 2016 American biographical war thriller film directed by Michael Bay. The movie is based on the true story of the 2012 Benghazi attack on the American diplomatic compound in Libya. The film tells the story of the six members of the Annex Security Team, a group of CIA contractors who fought to defend the compound against a terrorist attack.
The True Story Behind the Movie
On September 11, 2012, a group of terrorists affiliated with the Islamic militant group Ansar al-Sharia attacked the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Information Officer Sean Smith, and two CIA operatives, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
The attack was a coordinated effort, with militants using mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms to breach the compound's walls. The CIA Annex, a nearby facility, was also attacked, and the security team, led by Tyrone Woods, fought bravely to defend the compound and evacuate the Americans.
The movie is based on the book "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi" by Mitchell Zuckoff, which tells the story of the attack from the perspective of the security team.
The Heroes of Benghazi
The movie focuses on the bravery and sacrifice of the six members of the Annex Security Team, who fought against overwhelming odds to defend the compound and evacuate the Americans.
- Tyrone Woods: A former Navy SEAL and leader of the Annex Security Team, Woods played a key role in defending the compound and was killed during the attack.
- Glen Doherty: A former Navy SEAL and member of the Annex Security Team, Doherty was killed during the attack while trying to rescue Americans from the compound.
- John "Tig" Tiegen: A former Marine and member of the Annex Security Team, Tiegen was instrumental in defending the compound and evacuating the Americans.
- Mark "Oz" Geist: A former Marine and member of the Annex Security Team, Geist was wounded during the attack but continued to fight to defend the compound.
- Kris "Tanto" Paronto: A former Army Ranger and member of the Annex Security Team, Paronto was a key figure in the defense of the compound and evacuation of the Americans.
- Jack Silva: A former Navy SEAL and member of the Annex Security Team, Silva was part of the team that defended the compound and evacuated the Americans.
Controversy and Criticism
The movie was criticized for its depiction of the events leading up to the attack, with some accusing the filmmakers of politicizing the tragedy. The movie was also criticized for its portrayal of the Obama administration's response to the attack, with some accusing the filmmakers of bias.
Conclusion
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" is a powerful and intense movie that tells the true story of the 2012 Benghazi attack. The movie honors the bravery and sacrifice of the six members of the Annex Security Team, who fought to defend the American diplomatic compound against overwhelming odds. Despite controversy and criticism, the movie is a testament to the heroism and courage of the men who fought to protect their fellow Americans.
