Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Marine unit dispatched to secure consulate in Benghazi after deadly attacks

A team of about 50 Marines has been dispatched to the Libyan city of Benghazi to secure the U.S. Consulate after attacks Tuesday left four Americans dead including the U.S. ambassador, a senior U.S. military official told Fox News. 

The official said a Marine "fast team" is being sent from the U.S. Naval base in Rota, Spain. They are not yet on the ground. 

The move comes after President Obama ordered "all necessary resources" provided to Libya to support the security of U.S. personnel in the country. 

In a statement, Obama also said he's directed his administration to "increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe."
Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other American staff members were killed in the attacks Tuesday. 

U.S. posts are on alert amid protests, so far in Libya and Egypt, over a film that ridiculed Islam's Prophet Muhammad. 

The senior military official clarified Wednesday that despite some reports, no Marines were killed in the Tuesday attack. The military, the source said, has not been asked by the State Department to assist with any evacuations. 

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.