Barack Obama tile

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says the captured Libyan militant suspected of killing Americans in Benghazi will face the full weight of the American justice system.

Obama says he authorized an operation in Libya to detain Ahmed Abu Khattala. His capture marks the first apprehension of an alleged perpetrator in the 2012 attack that killed U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

Obama says his capture is a testament to the painstaking efforts of U.S. security officials. He says the U.S. has demonstrated it will do whatever it takes to bring justice to those who harm Americans.

Obama says in a statement that the U.S. will continue to track down those responsible for the attacks. He says the U.S. must support the Libyan people as they work to build a democracy.