U.S. forces capture key suspect in Benghazi attack

Oct. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. Special Forces captured a militant alleged to have played a pivotal role in the attack on the Benghazi consulate which killed four Americans in 2012, the White House said.

President Donald Trump issued a statement announcing forces captured Mustafa al-Imam during a raid in Libya on his order, adding he will "face justice" for the attack which killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith, and Tyrone Woods.

"To the families of these fallen heroes: I want you to know that your loved ones are not forgotten, and they will never be forgotten," Trump said. "Our memory is deep and our reach is long, and we will not rest in our efforts to find and bring the perpetrators of the heinous attacks in Benghazi to justice."

Elite special forces captured al-Imam this weekend and transferred him to a ship offshore where forces plan to transfer him back to the U.S. for prosecution in federal court, an official told ABC News.

Trump thanked law enforcement, prosecutors, the intelligence community, and military personnel for assisting in al-Imam's capture and said the United States will to work with Libya to ward off terrorist groups.

"Libya's long-term stability and security are linked to its ability to form a unified government and military, and we encourage all Libyans to support the ongoing reconciliation process facilitated by the United Nations and to work together to build a peaceful and stable country," he said.