Michael Bay‘s 13 hours A modern and action-packed depiction of the Benghazi terror attack of 2012. The facts behind the incident were quickly obscured by opposition activists looking to score points against their political enemies. But now that time has passed and the dust has settled, how can the film measure reality? The film is based on a nonfiction book by journalist Mitchell Zuckoff and generally matches the known facts quite well. But there are two issues that are particularly conflicting in films with multiple sources and participants. agree; Namely, the alleged “stop” order from the head of the CIA in Benghazi, and the decision by the military brass to refuse air support. As we explore the truth of these scenes, we will see why there is still a deep disagreement about the truth of the attack between those on the ground and those responsible.
What happened in Benghazi?
On September 11, 2012, Ansar al-Sharia militants attacked the US embassy in Benghazi, Libya. US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens was killed during the attack when militants set fire to the building. Nearby, a group of private military contractors called the Global Response Staff (GRS) rushed to the CIA Annex to help prepare a response to the attack. At this point, there is considerable debate as to whether or not the head of the CIA stationed in Benghazi issued an official “cease” order. But regardless of what exactly was said, in the end, GRS tried to rescue those still trapped inside the diplomatic facilities. When they arrived at the site, they searched for Ambassador Stevens but could not find him in the smoke. . After trying to gather the survivors and the organization, the GRS headed back to the CIA Annex. While traveling, their vehicle was attacked by militants. They can make it back into the appendix without further injury.
Around midnight, an attack was launched on the CIA annex by militants. The GRS fought off the attackers throughout the night until some backup arrived the next morning. When help arrived, the annex was heavily burned. It was during this attack that Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were both killed by gunfire. The annex was then evacuated and everyone inside was safely transported to the airport. While GRS is guarding the CIA Annex, Ambassador Stevens is discovered, still alive, by a group of Libyans who take him to a local hospital. Despite CPR, Stevens eventually died at the hospital of smoke inhalation.
What is the controversy over the standing order in Benghazi?
Whether or not the unnamed CIA chief in Benghazi ordered the GRS to “stand down” when they tried to extract survivors from the diplomatic consulate is a matter of dispute. Journalist Mitchell Zuckoff’s book supports the claim that a stop order has been issued. Michael Bay’s film also depicts the head of the CIA giving a clear cease-and-desist order. The five surviving members of the six-man GRS team all confirmed that a stop order had been issued. Kris Paronto, who is part of the CIA Annex security team, told Politico that “there was no sense in that: We were told to ‘stand down.’ These words were used verbatim — 100 percent.”
However, the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee said there was “no evidence of delay or obstruction by the base chiefs or other parties.” Former CIA Director David Petraeus, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper all. Admitting that no one was ordered to stand down, the identity of the CIA chief in Benghazi is unknown but CIA records state that this chief authorized the GRS rescue operation and did not tell them to stand down.
Finally, it seems unlikely that a stop order will be issued from the top of the military or the United States Department of State. If so, there is no clear evidence about it. However, it remains unclear to this day what the CIA chief said or whether the term “stand down” was used. Michael Bay chose to believe the Americans who guarded the CIA Annex. Others tend to see this belief as a conspiracy. While there is certainly some evidence, in the form of eyewitness testimony, that the cease and desist order was issued, it is also possible that the conversation between the military officer and the head of the CIA resulted from a simple misunderstanding.
What critical air support was denied in Benghazi?
according to 13 hours, Critical air support was denied to those defending the CIA Annex in Benghazi. CIA officers are seen calling for air support and the film makes viewers Believe that the US military aircraft is ready and waiting near Italy. The film also means that with air support, the deaths of Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods could have been prevented. Unlike claims of a cease-fire, the presence and availability of US military aircraft near Libya is less a matter of opinion and more of a reality. Based on the available evidence, it appears that no air support is possible.
As Vox reports, a House Armed Services report concluded that “the Department of Defense had no armed drones or manned aircraft ready for combat ready and at close range on September 11 (when the attacks occurred). US military aircraft in Italy were being used exclusively for training flights.” rehearsed and not prepared for a combat mission. According to the news, the closest armed fighter plane That’s in Djibouti, which is too far for a plane to reach Benghazi when it comes to providing air support. So, the film’s depiction of military incompetence leading to the denial of critical air support seems sensible, if not just wrong.
How accurate is ’13 hours’?
Although these two issues are very conflicting, 13 hours Otherwise a fairly accurate film. Michael Bay deliberately chose to trust the military personnel guarding the CIA Annex in Benghazi to further investigation and reporting. This view lends itself to a right-wing narrative of the alleged weakness and fragility of the democratic administration at the time. But it’s also consistent with Bay’s tendency to show events through the eyes of the men in blue on the ground experiencing the events in real time, such as in Pearl Harbor Or Armageddon. with 13 hoursThe Gulf has decided to wade into the waters of controversy and controversy. It still exists today.
