Libyan militant gets 19 years in prison for role in Benghazi attacks

Mustafa al-Imam had already been convicted of conspiring to support the extremist militia that carried out the attack against US interests

He is the second militant convicted in the attacks that killed the American ambassador, a communications specialist and two security officers

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An undated image provided by the FBI shows Mustafa al-Imam after his capture in October 2017. Photo: AP

Published: 3:47pm, 24 Jan 2020Updated: 3:48pm, 24 Jan 2020

A US federal judge has sentenced a Libyan militant to more than 19 years in prison for his role in the 2012 Benghazi attacks that killed four Americans, including the ambassador.

A jury convicted Mustafa al-Imam last year of conspiring to support the extremist militia that launched the fiery assaults on the US compounds, but they were deadlocked on 15 other counts.

The attacks, aimed at killing American personnel, prompted a political fracas in which Republicans accused the Obama administration of a bungled response.

Imam was sentenced to a total of 236 months behind bars. He is the second militant convicted in the attacks that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens, communications specialist Sean Smith and security officers Tyrone Snowden Woods and Glen Anthony Doherty.

The body of US ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, being moved by civilians following the overnight attack on the embassy. Photo: AFP

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement late on Thursday that Imam’s sentencing “sends a strong message to those who would attempt to commit such a heinous crime.”