Charges have been filed against Ahmed Khattalah, leader of a Libyan militia that U.S. officials believe was involved in the assault on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi. The charges, which are have been sealed, are the first criminal counts to be brought in the probe. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others were killed last September 11 in the assault on the mission.

People close to the case say the investigation has moved significantly in recent months. The initial charges are filed in a complaint in New York, according to the people briefed on the matter.

The Justice Department and the FBI declined to comment on the charges. The agencies prohibit commenting on matters that are under seal. It couldn’t be learned when the U.S. plans to announce the charges and whether there are any plans to try to detain Khattalah.

None of the sources would discuss the precise charges against Khattalah in the sealed complaint.

[..]

The probe is led by agents from the FBI in New York, and has included some members from the agency’s Washington field office who have traveled to Libya to interview hundreds of witnesses, those briefed on the investigation said. Source: CNN

This was cross-posted from The Hinterland Gazette.