Video shows U.S. abduction of accused al-Qaeda terrorist on trial for embassy bombings - The Washington Post

The Abduction of Anas al-Libi

The Washington Post obtained a video depicting the October 2013 abduction of Nazih Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai, also known as Anas al-Libi, a suspected al-Qaeda operative, in Tripoli, Libya. The operation was a joint effort by the CIA, FBI, and US Army Delta Force.

The Operation

The video shows al-Libi being forcibly taken from his car by armed men and put into a waiting van. The operation involved at least three vehicles. The US Special Operations forces quickly left with the suspect.

Al-Libi's Background and Accusations

Al-Libi, accused of involvement in the 1998 US embassy bombings in East Africa, was subsequently taken to a Libyan military base and then to the USS San Antonio. His attorney, Bernard Kleinman, claims al-Libi is innocent and never swore allegiance to bin Laden.

• Al-Libi fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• He worked for bin Laden in Sudan.
• He was involved with the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group.
• He spent years in Iran before returning to Libya.
• Al-Libi's attorney argues he participated in the overthrow of Gaddafi, a goal the US supported.

The article also includes statements from former FBI Special Agent Ali Soufan, who believes al-Libi was involved in planning the embassy attacks.

Legal Proceedings

Al-Libi is awaiting trial in New York and has pleaded not guilty. The Libyan government is paying for his defense.