13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi - The Real Story
Introduction
On September 11, 2012, a tragic event shook the world when a terrorist attack occurred at the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. The event resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The incident sparked widespread outrage and controversy, with many questioning the response of the US government to the attack.
In 2016, Michael Bay's film "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" was released, telling the story of the brave men who fought against the terrorists that fateful night. But how much of the film is based on real events, and what really happened in Benghazi?
The Real Story
The Attack
On the night of September 11, 2012, a group of terrorists, later identified as Ansar al-Sharia, stormed the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi. The attack was well-coordinated and brutal, with the terrorists using grenades, mortars, and heavy machine guns.
The CIA annex, located about a mile away from the diplomatic compound, was also attacked later that night. The annex was a secret facility, and its existence was not publicly known at the time.
The Heroes
The real heroes of the Benghazi attack were a group of six CIA contractors, who were stationed at the CIA annex. The team, known as the Global Response Staff (GRS), was made up of:
- Tyrone Woods, a former Navy SEAL and the leader of the GRS team
- Glen Doherty, a former Navy SEAL and a close friend of Woods
- Mark Geist, a former Marine and a member of the GRS team
- John Tiegen, a former Marine and a member of the GRS team
- Iggy, a former Army Ranger and a member of the GRS team
- Jack Silva, a former Navy SEAL and a member of the GRS team
When the attack began, the GRS team sprang into action, defying orders from their CIA superiors to stand down. They fought bravely against the terrorists, using their skills and experience to try and repel the attack.
The Stand-Down Order
One of the most controversial aspects of the Benghazi attack is the alleged stand-down order given to the GRS team. According to the team members, they were told to wait and not respond to the attack, despite their requests to be allowed to intervene.
The stand-down order has been disputed by the CIA and other government officials, who claim that there was no such order given. However, the GRS team members have consistently claimed that they were told to stand down, and that this delay cost lives.
The Aftermath
The Benghazi attack resulted in the deaths of four Americans: Ambassador Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and CIA contractors Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. The attack also left several others injured.
In the aftermath of the attack, there were widespread investigations and hearings, with many calling for accountability and transparency from the US government. The incident led to significant changes in the way the US government approaches security and response to terrorist attacks.
Conclusion
The story of the Benghazi attack is one of bravery, sacrifice, and tragedy. The real heroes of the attack, the GRS team, risked their lives to try and protect their fellow Americans, despite being told to stand down.
While the film "13 Hours" takes some creative liberties with the story, it is based on real events and honors the memories of the brave men who fought that night. The real story of Benghazi is one that deserves to be told and remembered, and we must continue to honor the sacrifices of those who serve our country.
