New Benghazi Report Cites ‘Systematic Failures’ Led To Inadequate Security

A new report about the Benghazi attacks was released by an independent panel on Tuesday and concluded that systematic management and leadership failures at the US State Department ultimately led to the “grossly” inadequate security at the Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

In the report, released to the State Department, the panel wrote:

“Systematic failures and leadership and management deficiencies at senior levels within two bureaus of the State Department resulted in a Special Mission security posture that was inadequate for Benghazi and grossly inadequate to deal with the attack that took place.”

The Chicago Tribune reports that the report specifically cited the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Bureau of Near East Affairs in its criticism. They also stated that there appeared to be both a lack of cooperation and confusion over protection at the Benghazi consulate.

Despite the cited failures, however, the Accountability Review Board’s report stated that there are no individual officials who ignored or violated their duties. They are recommending no disciplinary action right now. CNN notes that the State Department sent a notice to all of its employees on Tuesday, which explained what the department will do to implement the report’s recommendations. Part of the notice read:

“To implement the Board’s recommendations, the Secretary has directed the Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources to lead the implementation team, supported by the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, the Under Secretary for Management, the Director General of he Foreign Service, the Executive Secretary and the Deputy Legal Advisor.”

State Department employees were also told that the implementation board met on Tuesday before the report was released and that they will continue to meet to implement the board’s recommendations.