Bodies of American diplomats arrive in US, Libyans condemn violent acts

During a solemn ceremony at Joint Base Andrews outside the capital of Washington held to honour the Americans killed in Libya, US President Barack Obama pledged to honour their memory by never retreating from the world.

Four flag-draped coffins containing the bodies of the American diplomats killed in Libya when the US consulate came under attack, arrived in the US on Friday.

Among the bodies was that of Ambassador J Christopher Stevens who, according to new details, spent his final hours alone and locked in a smoke-filled room.

Fires raged around the diplomatic mission as Steven attempted to flee to a room in the diplomatic compound to find safety behind a locked iron gate and wooden door only to become trapped and die of asphyxiation.

Stevens was discovered by people who broke a window to drag him out after rushing to the compound to see what was happening.  

Officials said that when the diplomatic compound came under attack, Stevens was separated from his security detail and was pronounced dead at a hospital in Benghazi.

Libyans worldwide united to express their dismay at the tragic loss of the lives of Ambassador Stevens and the other Americans identified as Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods.

Offering their condolences in the form of protests and online social media networks, the Libyans condemned the attack against Western allies to the Libyan people.

Stevens was regarded as a ‘friend to Libya’ by a large number of Libyans, particularly those in Benghazi and hundreds posted messages on the US Embassy Libya Facebook page to express apologies and condolences.

Washington and American embassies worldwide have been shaken up by the news and newly released information during the live broadcast of the ceremony.

As the four coffins arrived at Joint Base Andrews, Obama said they served the US well and believed in their mission, following through despite knowing the danger.

Stevens was described as “everything America could want in an ambassador” by the US President.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called upon the leaders of the Middle East to provide protection of diplomatic posts to fulfil their obligations and expressed her condolences to the family and friends of those killed in the attacks in Libya.