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Under Fire: The Untold Story of the Attack in Benghazi Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 340 ratings

The New York Times bestselling inside account of the attack against the U.S. diplomatic and intelligence outposts in Benghazi, Libya.

On the night of September 11, 2012, the American diplomatic mission at Benghazi, Libya, came under ferocious attack by a heavily armed group of Islamic terrorists. The prolonged firefight, and the attack hours later on a nearby CIA outpost, resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including the American ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, the Information Officer, Sean Smith, and two former Navy SEALs, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, working for the Central Intelligence Agency.

After the fall of Qaddafi, Benghazi was transformed into a hotbed of fundamentalist fervor and a den of spies for the northern half of the African continent. Moreover, it became the center of gravity for terrorist groups strategically situated in the violent whirlwinds of the Arab Spring. On the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks against the United States, a group of heavily armed Islamic terrorists had their sights set on the U.S. diplomatic and intelligence presence in the city.

Based on the exclusive cooperation of eyewitnesses and confidential sources within the intelligence, diplomatic, and military communities, Fred Burton and Samuel M. Katz reveal for the first time the terrifying twelve-hour ordeal confronted by Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, his Diplomatic Security (DS) contingent, and the CIA security specialists who raced to rescue them.

More than just the minute-by-minute narrative of a desperate last stand in the midst of an anarchic rebellion,
Under Fire is an inspiring testament to the bravery and selflessness of the men and women who put their country first while serving in one of the most dangerous regions in the world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“AMAZING READ.” ―Politico

“A gripping first-hand narrative of the night of the attack that killed U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, pieced together from intelligence reports and eyewitness accounts . . . [The authors] keep the politics out of it and let the events of that night speak for themselves.” ―Huffington Post

“Heart-stopping, minute-by-minute detail . . . Much more a tale of valor on the ground than a story about the overshadowing grandstanding we've witnessed from those in Washington's bleachers.” ―Graydon Carter, Vanity Fair

“A wealth of information that paints a night-long war . . . The harrowing story of the firefight faced by those who escaped the compound and the two terrorist attacks that night on the CIA's annex in Benghazi.” ―Washington Examiner

“A compelling read.” ―The Atlantic Wire

“Readers will come away with a vivid picture of the rented diplomatic compound where Ambassador Stevens died and the long, bloody fight to defend him.” ―San Diego Union-Tribune

“Compelling. . . The more we learn about Benghazi, the more we need to know. The story is far from over.” ―New York Post

“This is a gripping, authoritative account of a tragedy that's not going away. What happened in Benghazi on that fateful night counts, because it's the moment when the Arab Spring took a wrong turn and drove into the abyss. It tells the story of a Washington too blinded by politics to see the facts. A wonderful book.” ―Robert Baer, former CIA operative and New York Times bestselling author of See No Evil

“A stunning reconstruction of events surrounding the terrorist attacks in Benghazi. It will be particularly instructive to those who have a limited knowledge of the processes for providing security for our diplomats serving abroad.” ―Admiral B. R. Inman, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

“A gripping chronological account of the attack. Readers will clearly comprehend how the DS agents were put into an impossible, life-threatening situation with few of the ready assets associated with American power . . . Authoritative account of a still-controversial spasm of anti-American violence.” ―Kirkus

About the Author

FRED BURTON is Vice President of Intelligence and Counterterrorism at Stratfor, a leading geopolitical intelligence firm, and is one of the world's foremost experts on security, terrorists and terrorist organizations. He is a former State Department counter-terrorism deputy chief and DSS Agent and the author of a bestselling memoir, Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent and Chasing Shadows.

SAMUEL M. KATZ is an internationally recognized author and expert on Middle East security issues, international terrorism, counter-terrorism, and special operations. His books include Relentless Pursuit: The DSS and the Manhunt for the Al-Qaeda Terrorists, and The Hunt for the Engineer: How Israeli Agents Tracked the Hamas Master Bomber.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00C74YQFC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press (September 3, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 3, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8919 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 318 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 340 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
340 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and informative. They appreciate the details about what happened in Benghazi. The story is described as realistic and tragic. The book shines a light on the Diplomatic Security Service and provides valuable information about security in some of America's foreign missions. It paints a clear and vivid picture of what occurred on Sept. 11-12. Overall, customers find the book to be an engaging read that provides useful information about the event.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

65 customers mention "Readability"53 positive12 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They find the content well-written and researched, like a Tom Clancy novel. The book provides an accurate account of events at Benghazi, with more action than the previous book. Readers appreciate the clear and straightforward presentation of the information.

"...Through vivid storytelling, Burton brings to life the experiences of individuals caught in the crossfire, offering a poignant tribute to their..." Read more

"...back in the 1980s, and he is still able to put a cogent, well-structured narrative together and describe dramatic events precisely without being..." Read more

"This is a clear and straight-forward presentation of the Benghazi attack...." Read more

"...A gripping, minute by minute read that will leave you sad, angry, frustrated and disappointed with the people and system that failed all of us." Read more

53 customers mention "Information quality"53 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and interesting, providing details about the Benghazi attack. They appreciate the well-documented narratives from first-hand accounts. The story is told as a compelling fact-finding mission that holds their interest.

"...In this meticulously researched and compelling narrative, Burton, a seasoned security expert, takes readers behind the scenes, providing a gripping..." Read more

"...; and the "annex." Also, in the telling they provide key clues (examples: the mission wasn't registered with the Libyan government..." Read more

"This expose of the Benghazi terrorist attack was an interesting read...." Read more

"...The Libya incident in Benghazi was interesting and informative but it was hard to follow all the other incidences around the world...." Read more

30 customers mention "Storytelling"23 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the book's storytelling. They find the story realistic and tragically true. The book shows the daily challenges faced by the Diplomatic Security Force, offering a poignant tribute to their resilience and sacrifices. It also provides a good source for the truth about the incident.

"...individuals caught in the crossfire, offering a poignant tribute to their resilience and sacrifices...." Read more

"...What the authors do provide is clear ground truth of what happened at both the "mission" and the "annex." Also, in the telling they..." Read more

"...The story of Benghazi is real life. While there are heroes, it is devoid of the inaccurate portrayals of diplomatic facilities overseas...." Read more

"...It's clear that much of the story is untold. Again this last week we had a former Hillary confidant and apparent heir to the State Dept...." Read more

25 customers mention "Detail"20 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed account of events in Benghazi. They find it informative and concise, providing a clear summary of the situation and explaining the subsequent events that followed. The author provides personal details about those involved, revealing what really happened. The book does an excellent job of showing the situation from the ground, revealing important background information.

"...The authors take the story of Benghazi and intertwine it with historical information from previous attacks against diplomatic missions...." Read more

"...The authors present a fair amount of detail at each twist in the plot but also off a good deal of background so the reader is up to speed as events..." Read more

"...gives the facts not only of the actual battle, but he gives thorough details of life and the atmosphere in Libya prior to the battle in Benghazi...." Read more

"...of the events leading up to the siege, with historical references from past embassy attacks, minute by minute accounting of what transpired, coupled..." Read more

11 customers mention "Security"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and useful for security professionals. They say it humanizes the larger geopolitical narrative and shows dignity to all those involved. The book is detailed about how the Diplomatic Protective Service operates, without political bias or talking points. Readers appreciate the respectful writing style that honors the memory of those lost.

"...Burton's writing is both engaging and respectful, honoring the memory of those involved while challenging readers to confront the multifaceted..." Read more

"...The book is written by security professionals with one goal - defend and honor the anonymous state department security guards who heroically tried..." Read more

"The book is filled with information about the state of security in some of America's foreign missions...." Read more

"This story had to be told by someone unafraid and knowledgeable of the Diplomatic Service protocol and the dedicated people that stand in the face..." Read more

8 customers mention "Picture quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pictures. They say it paints a clear and vivid picture of what happened on Sept. 11-12. The book provides good background, maps, and photos.

"...a fair amount of detail at each twist in the plot but also off a good deal of background so the reader is up to speed as events are presented...." Read more

"...It definitely is not a book about who to blame but certainly paints a picture, in my opinion, that the death of 4 patriotic Americans were..." Read more

"...Excellent maps and photos. It also shows the daily challenges the brave men and women in the Diplomatic Security Force encounter...." Read more

"STUNNING! I only wish there had been more specific blame placed or this epic failure...." Read more

4 customers mention "Sturdiness"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-constructed and detailed. They say it arrived quickly and in excellent condition. The book is informative and credible.

"...we were never going to get it. This is a well constructed, detailed account of the events leading up to the siege, with historical references from..." Read more

"Great writers. Book arrived fast and in excellent condition!" Read more

"...Well-written and researched. Book arrived fast, in great condition. Definitely recommend it." Read more

"Informative and Credible!!!..." Read more

A cover up attempt.
1 out of 5 stars
A cover up attempt.
An attempt by the authors to cover up for someone. If you are looking for the real story read the House Committee's investigation on Benghazi.Rep. Mike Pompeo (KS-04) released the following statement regarding the findings:“We expect our government to make every effort to save the lives of Americans who serve in harm’s way. That did not happen in Benghazi. Politics were put ahead of the lives of Americans, and while the administration had made excuses and blamed the challenges posed by time and distance, the truth is that they did not try.”
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
    Fred Burton's "Under Fire" delves into the harrowing events of the Benghazi attack, unraveling the untold stories and shedding light on the complexities surrounding that fateful night. In this meticulously researched and compelling narrative, Burton, a seasoned security expert, takes readers behind the scenes, providing a gripping account of the tragedy that shook the world.

    The strength of "Under Fire" lies in Burton's ability to weave together the intricate details of the attack, offering a comprehensive and balanced perspective. Drawing on firsthand accounts, official documents, and his own expertise, Burton pieces together the timeline, motivations, and aftermath, presenting a narrative that is as informative as it is riveting.

    Burton's writing is both engaging and respectful, honoring the memory of those involved while challenging readers to confront the multifaceted challenges faced by diplomatic and security personnel in high-risk zones. The book goes beyond sensationalism, presenting a nuanced exploration of the political and operational factors that played a role in the tragic events.

    One of the notable aspects of "Under Fire" is its emphasis on human stories. Through vivid storytelling, Burton brings to life the experiences of individuals caught in the crossfire, offering a poignant tribute to their resilience and sacrifices. The book succeeds in humanizing the larger geopolitical narrative, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

    In "Under Fire," Fred Burton delivers a powerful and thought-provoking account of a pivotal moment in modern history. This book is a must-read for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Benghazi attack, combining meticulous research with a narrative that honors the individuals affected and the complex circumstances surrounding the incident.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2013
    Must read if you want to begin to fill in the many gaps in government accountability for Benghazi. I learned a lot from reading it after a year of trying to decipher what happened.

    The book is written by security professionals with one goal - defend and honor the anonymous state department security guards who heroically tried (and failed) to keep Stevens alive. Their background and perspective provides both an insider's story and a motivation to tell it. However, you WILL be disappointed because their story is not complete and doesn't even try to answer the many more global questions we all want answered. Their's is the perspective of the "foot soldier" not the general, cabinet member, national security council member or president. But none of those are talking and have their axes to grind and behinds to defend so I am thankful that the foot soldier broke the usual code of silence.

    What the authors do provide is clear ground truth of what happened at both the "mission" and the "annex." Also, in the telling they provide key clues (examples: the mission wasn't registered with the Libyan government (hence not a State Department mission), and Benghazi mission and annex are all about the CIA and everyone in Benghazi knew it) that helps understand how and why government obfuscation rather than accountability has dominated Benghazi thus far. It will take someone other than these authors to connect the dots to answer the global questions.

    The truth will out but it usually takes time. It took two years after Watergate for Nixon to resign and forty-three years after Pearl Harbor the true story was still coming out. We the people, for whom this government is supposed to work, are owed the truth. In my opinion, this book is a big positive step in outing that truth.

    P.S. The book adds to the mystery of what happened to Ambassador Stevens body that night. The mob apparently desperately trying to kill him and his body guards desperately trying to save him were both unsuccessful in their mission or even in finding him. Apparently, a group of curiosity seekers sometime later find him and take him to Benghazi's best hospital where elaborate efforts are attempted to resuscitate him. This part of the book is heavily redacted with the source and reasons for the redaction not being explained. This raises more questions than it answers. I view this as a shortcoming of the book as it undermines the main goal of the authors.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2022
    This expose of the Benghazi terrorist attack was an interesting read. The authors revealed their politics towards the end of the book which I thought was poor. Just relate what happened and let’s honor those who risked their lives and those who lost their lives.

    The elephant in the room was never revealed and that was who told the military in Southern Europe to stand down and not try to defend the two locations from the air.

    Was it Hillary Clinton or President Obama. I don’t remember Obama’s name mentioned once in the book??

    Being President I would have thought he would have been consulted but remember he was in Las Vegas at a campaign event.

    The whole scenario in Benghazi was bungled from the start. The book clearly reveals the mistakes the US made. I don’t have confidence the necessary changes will be made prospectively to prevent these kind of attacks in the future.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Emile
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good product and service
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2023
    Very good product and service
  • alkbt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Livre arrivé rapidement et conforme à la description !
    Reviewed in France on June 10, 2021
    Livre arrivé rapidement et conforme à la description !
  • Anirban
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in India on April 8, 2017
    Good insight. The lack of maps or images makes it difficult to visualise. Nevertheless details of the rarely discussed issue wel brought out.
  • Greg
    3.0 out of 5 stars Kindle edition seems to have some issues, random text replaced with "********"
    Reviewed in Canada on January 28, 2014
    I've read three of Fred Burton's books, and liked all three, but this is my least favorite. This book seemed to have much less first hand knowledge than his other books, which is reasonable given that it is the only event that he did not have first person experience.
    Under Fire tells the story of the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, how it was established after the fall of Gaddafi, and eventually attacked by fundamentalists on September 11, 2012. It relies on witness statements, and survivors to create the clearest possible understanding of those events, and does a fairly good job of it.
    My biggest issue with this book is that seemingly random text has been replaced with lines of "****". Originally, I believed these to be blacked out sections to cover classified or redacted information that they did not have access to, but that doesn't seem to be the case. In one instance it reads "better known as *********". If it was classified information, why would it be commonly known? Also, in some sections it repeats so often that it would have been more effective just to say that it was still classified. I have to assume that this was some kind of formatting error with the kindle edition, and will hopefully be fixed in the future. These sections do not greatly interrupt the flow of the book, but they are an annoyance.
    Overall, still a pretty good book.
  • keith
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book; very well researched
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2015
    An excellent book; very well researched.I couldt put it down during some parts you actually believe you are part of it.Excellent in sigth into the decision making processes and how many agencies were involved in it. Also the extremely complex politics of Libya and the middle east. A definite 5 stars

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