WASHINGTON — Diplomatic security in Benghazi was weak and deteriorating, a former special forces soldier who was the head of a US security team in the Libyan capital told lawmakers Wednesday. In Benghazi “the situation remained uncertain and reports indicated it was getting worse. Diplomatic security remained weak,” Lt. Col. Andrew Wood said. Wood said he had come forward as a private citizen to reveal what he knew about the situation in Libya from the time he spent as commander of a 16-strong site security team based in Tripoli from mid-February to mid-August. He visited Benghazi twice and was there in June when the British ambassador's convoy was attacked and had helped provide medical and security help afterwards. Appearing before the first special congressional hearing into the Sept. 11 attack on the US consulate, Wood said: “The security in Benghazi was a struggle and remained a struggle throughout my time there.” Meanwhile, the top White House anti-terror official John Brennan Wednesday pressed Libyan leaders to hunt down those guilty of the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. The White House said Brennan met Mohammed Magarief, president of the Libyan National Assembly, and addressed “specific additional steps Libya can take to better assist the US in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.” “Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism,” spokesman Tommy Vietor said. “Mr. Brennan encouraged Libyan officials to move quickly on refining their policies and advancing capabilities in the security and justice sectors,” Vietor said. — Agencies
