Libyan militant, Mustafa Al-Imam sentenced to 19 years for terrorist attacks on U.S. facilities in Benghazi

A Libyan militant, Mustafa Al-Imam was sentenced on Thursday to more than 19 years in prison by  a federal Judge for  participating in the September 11, 2012, terrorist attacks on U.S. facilities in Benghazi that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador.

A jury had last year convicted Mustafa al-Imam  of conspiring to support the extremist militia that launched the fiery assaults on the U.S. compounds but 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.

Al-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.

According to the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Thursday,  Al-Imam’s sentencing sends a strong message to those who would attempt to commit such a heinous crime.

“We express our continued gratitude to the U.S. law enforcement, military, and intelligence communities for their relentless efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack. We continue to mourn the losses of Ambassador Chris Stevens, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith, and Tyrone Woods. Each sacrificed his life promoting American ideals. Their colleagues serving around the world today continue that important work in the same spirit and in their honor”, Pompeo added.