Are Washington's Scandals Stopping The White House From Issuing Orders To The U.S. Military To Attack Those Responsible For Benghazi?

An armed gunman reacts as the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames September 11, 2012. REUTERS/Esam Al-Fetori

U.S. Options To 'Capture Or Kill' Benghazi Suspects -- CNN

The U.S. military has updated plans to "capture or kill" alleged perpetrators of the deadly terror attack on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, CNN has learned.

The development comes amid growing pressure on the White House to show progress in the effort to catch those who killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans last September 11.

Officials emphasize that military planning has been underway since the immediate aftermath of the armed assault.

One part of the plan calls for potentially putting U.S. military personnel on the ground inside Libya, if ordered by President Barack Obama.

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My Comment: If true .... this is a blockbuster story. The key lines in this CNN report are the following ....

.... The military has a list of several targets including some inside Benghazi and others in outlying areas. There are specific individuals named who are believed associated with the Benghazi attack as well other militants the United States wants to get. There are also militant camps or stronghold areas on the list that could be attacked.

One military official said the military is well aware that if it is ordered into action now by the White House, it could be viewed as a political move in light of the ongoing controversy over Benghazi. But he noted that initial planning began shortly after the attack last year.

This probably explains why 200 US marines were positioned nearer to Libya this week. In short .... and this is just speculation .... the U.S. military and the CIA already have their targets, but the controversies and scandals in Washington are making the White House nervous on how it would be perceived if the orders for a strike were issued now. Everyone will be screaming "Wag the Dog" .... and they will be right (to a point).

Update: U.S. upgrades Benghazi mission to ‘capture or kill’ -- Washington Times