US relations with the new Libyan government were thrust into the spotlight on September 11 , 2012 when gunmen attacked and firebombed the US liaison office/mission in Benghazi , killing 4 Americans including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens . Libya 's interim leader Mohammed Magarief quickly condemned the attack and apologised to the US , describing it as " cowardly " and pledging to bring the killers to justice . Demonstrations denouncing the attack and supporting the United States were held in Benghazi the next day , with protesters mourning Stevens and signs declaring him ' a friend to all Libyans ' . Libya cooperated with the US to investigate the attack , closing Benghazi 's airspace for several hours to allow US drone patrols over the city on September 14
attacked and firebombed
2012 Benghazi attack
Libya–United States relations