A look back at 2012 Benghazi attacks - in pictures

  • An armed mob protesting over a film they say offended Islam attacked the US consulate in Benghazi on September 11, 2012, setting buildings and cars on fire. AFP
    An armed mob protesting over a film they say offended Islam attacked the US consulate in Benghazi on September 11, 2012, setting buildings and cars on fire. AFP
  • American staff members of the US consulate died following fierce clashes at the compound, Libyan security sources said. Reuters
    American staff members of the US consulate died following fierce clashes at the compound, Libyan security sources said. Reuters
  • The US Consulate in Benghazi in flames. Reuters
    The US Consulate in Benghazi in flames. Reuters
  • Damage at the US Consulate. Reuters
    Damage at the US Consulate. Reuters
  • Christopher Stevens, the US ambassador to Libya, and three embassy staff were killed as they rushed away from the consulate building, stormed by Al Qaeda-linked gunmen. Reuters
    Christopher Stevens, the US ambassador to Libya, and three embassy staff were killed as they rushed away from the consulate building, stormed by Al Qaeda-linked gunmen. Reuters
  • Stevens was trying to leave the consulate building for a safer location as part of an evacuation when gunmen launched an intense attack, apparently forcing security personnel to withdraw. Reuters
    Stevens was trying to leave the consulate building for a safer location as part of an evacuation when gunmen launched an intense attack, apparently forcing security personnel to withdraw. Reuters
  • A Libyan man stands next to a wall apparently stained with blood at the main entrance of the US consulate in Benghazi on September 13, 2012. AFP
    A Libyan man stands next to a wall apparently stained with blood at the main entrance of the US consulate in Benghazi on September 13, 2012. AFP
  • Damage inside the burnt US consulate building in Benghazi. AFP
    Damage inside the burnt US consulate building in Benghazi. AFP
  • A burnt-out vehicle sits smouldering in flames after it was set on fire inside the US consulate compound in Benghazi late on September 11, 2012. AFP
    A burnt-out vehicle sits smouldering in flames after it was set on fire inside the US consulate compound in Benghazi late on September 11, 2012. AFP
  • Libya said it had made arrests and opened a probe into the attack, amid speculation that Al Qaeda rather than a frenzied mob was to blame. AFP
    Libya said it had made arrests and opened a probe into the attack, amid speculation that Al Qaeda rather than a frenzied mob was to blame. AFP