13 Hours

The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi

By: Mitchell Zuckoff, Annex Security Team

From a New York Times bestselling author, the harrowing, true account from the brave men on the ground who fought back during the Battle of Benghazi—and the basis of the movie starring Jon Krasinski and directed by Michael Bay.

13 Hours presents, for the first time ever, the true account of the events of September 11, 2012, when terrorists attacked the US State Department Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA station called the Annex in Benghazi, Libya. A team of six American security operators fought to repel the attackers and protect the Americans stationed there. Those men went beyond the call of duty, performing extraordinary acts of courage and heroism, to avert tragedy on a much larger scale. This is their personal account, never before told, of what happened during the thirteen hours of that now-infamous attack.

13 Hours sets the record straight on what happened during a night that has been shrouded in mystery and controversy. The story of what happened to these men—and what they accomplished—is unforgettable.

Critic reviews

"A minute-by-minute account of what they saw, thought and did on the night of Sept. 11-12 in Benghazi...nerve-wracking."—The Washington Post

"A crisply written, gripping narrative of the events of the battle in Benghazi that adds considerable detail to the public record of what happened there...[an] authoritative account."—The Wall Street Journal

"A great number of journalists and government instrumentalities have tilted at Benghazi...All of those efforts look fragmentary when placed side-by-side with 13 HOURS.'"—The Washington Post

"13 HOURS provide(s) a moving reminder of the sacrifice made by these men who had voluntarily put themselves in harm's way, and who 'believed in their work and their country.'"—The Boston Globe

"13 HOURS...sets the record straight for historians to ponder."—-The Buffalo News

Amazing Book!

Would you listen to 13 Hours again? Why?

Yes, This book kept me interested from the very beginning when it reaches back into history to relate previous incidents in Benghazi as well as historical battles and background on how Benghazi came to be. As opposed to Benghazi under fire, this book is told from the standpoint of the CIA Annex security team that was told to "Stand Down" that fateful day on September 11, 2012.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The details of the accounts really bring more of the events into perspective and a lot more than what you could ever hope to hear about on the evening news. It also gives a contrasting view of the "Stand Down" order and why/how it was given. To me, the responsibility for the delay in responding should have fallen on the CIA station chief that was dead set on enlisting the help of the 17 February Militia to assist in the attack on the embassy in a feeble attempt to keep the "Secret" CIA Annex a secret by not sending this quick reaction force to assist.

Which scene was your favorite?

The details of the battles and how each one stood out on it's down as the story progressed..

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

We need to go NOW!

Any additional comments?

It also sheds light on the last hours of Navy SEAL Tyrone "Ty" Snowden Woods and Navy SEAL Glen "Bub" Anthony Dohrety and how they came together on that fateful evening/morning. In fact, Glen apparently never fired a shot and was killed with Tyrone when a mortar struck the rooftop position they were on. Glen had climbed up to visit with Tyrone after arriving from Tripoli with a rescue team that included two Delta Force Operators (who did not participate in the battle, but received awards for heroism). It details how Kris "Tonto" Paronto, Mark "Oz" Geist and John "Tig" Tiegan (all part of the original response team), fought off wave after wave of attackers and the troubles each of them faced as they took the fight to the attackers.

Explanations of how they heard rumors that it was an attack that was ignited by a Youtube video, and how the operators knew that wasn't the case. How they searched for Stevens to the point of nearly dying themselves from Smoke inhalation, toxic gasses, etc.

It tells how following the initial assault on the Embassy grounds, most of the fighting then took place at the CIA Compound about a mile away. That is was an organized military style attack, not a bunch of demonstrators, that quickly dialed in and landed three perfectly placed mortars on one rooftop during the battle... again, not an easy task for goat herders.

This book puts you right next to these heroes and the battles they fought with the attackers, their station chief, the flames in the Embassy building and better judgement. I would STRONGLY recommend this book for anyone wanting to know what REALLY happened in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012.

No politics, real story

What did you love best about 13 Hours?

A story written with the help of the "boots on the ground" guys. Doesn't get into politics, but instead tells EXACTLY what happened in the eyes of the security operators in Benghazi. As a former Army Ranger, I love how real it felt.

What did you like best about this story?

How it was basically a journalistic report of the events, but it read like a suspense novel.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Help isn't on the way.

Conspiracy theories aside

Any additional comments?

Very good in-depth report of what really happened before, during and after the attack. Four good men lost their lives. Now, if only some people where held accountable.

Excellent Account!

Very unbiased account of what actually happened. I highly recommend it! it left any decision as to any blame entirely up to the reader. No spin, just an eye witness account!

Its about the people not the politics.

No political parties, no liberals, no conservatives no spin, no slant, just the facts.
I've both read and listened to this book. It's from a man who just wanted to complete his mission and go home to his family. I like the absence of politics. I would have liked to have heard a little more about what was going on in Tripoli.
If you just want the facts with no red or blue slant then this is a great read/listen.