Diplomatic Security Overseas
Protecting U.S. Embassies and Consulates
I am pleased to be here to discuss diplomatic security challenges at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. The U.S. Government maintains more than 270 diplomatic posts, including embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic offices, in about 180 countries worldwide. More than 80,000 U.S. Government employees work overseas under Chief of Mission authority, representing more than 30 agencies and government entities. Since the 1998 embassy attacks in East Africa, U.S. civilian officials posted overseas have faced increasing threats to their safety and security, and facilities in high threat locations have faced numerous attacks. In September 2012, the U.S. consulate compound in Benghazi,…
