In the Dark of War: A CIA Officer's Inside Account of the U.S. Evacuation from Libya

by Sarah M. Carlson

A CIA officer’s inside account of how Libya’s descent into rampant violence precipitated the harrowing overland evacuation of the entire U.S. Mission from Tripoli after being trapped in the city for weeks.

Most of the world is aware of the tragic events surrounding the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans. Most are also aware of the resulting political controversy in Washington. But few know what happened next in Libya. While said controversy in Washington subsided, the volatility in Libya escalated—threatening the brave men and women who remained behind to continue the U.S. mission.

In this dramatic retelling of dangerous attacks threatening the U.S. mission Tripoli, Libya—less than two years after Benghazi—American valor and courage prevailed. The U.S. personnel and intrepid operators stood fast as militias clashed, suicide bomb attacked, and numerous threats and kidnappings closed in on their location. In the midst of it all, the intelligence and determination of one woman with unwavering faith played a pivotal role in saving them all…

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Espionage, Libya, History, War

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 23, 2020

About the author

Sarah M. Carlson served as a Targeting Analyst in CIA's Counterterrorism Center. She specialized in threats and attack plans directed against the U.S. and Europe and completed multiple rotations with the Directorate of Operations. Prior to that, she served as a Counterterrorism Analyst at DIA. She also completed rotations to NCTC and U.S. Northern Command. Since leaving the CIA, Sarah has continued public service as an emergency manager in the Seattle area, where she has specialized in all-hazards preparation and disaster response. Her book In The Dark of War: A CIA Officer’s Inside Account of the U.S. Evacuation from Libya is now available. Follow her on Twitter @smcarls1

Reviews

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true and harrowing story of those who stayed behind in Libya, continuing the US mission there, after the Bengazi attack, told by Sarah Carlson, a former CIA analyst who served in Tripoli, Libya through the aftermath and eventual civil war. When things became increasingly unstable, to the point where staying in the country was no longer an option, these brave men and women were forced to embark on an incredibly deadly and dangerous evacuation from Libya, and abandon all they had sacrificed for.

Like the book, Thirteen Hours, this book hit home to me more than the typical reader, because of my husband's service in Tripoli, Libya before the Bengazi attacks. I lived in fear for his life the five months he was there, and as I was reading this, I would talk to him about certain parts and underline things that had to do with him. I even have pictures he took of the "technicals" she talks about when he was there - terrifying. I know first hand how many times the State Department and the administration could have done more to help the situation, and also provide for the protection of those serving there. Although this isn't the best written book, and there were many errors in the kindle version, it was such an amazing story, and deserves to be known.

[Marc B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I felt this genre is important given that most don't know the daily activities at an overseas post, I feel this book's tone is so melodramatic, the substance is drowned-out. However, when the author is able to get past herself and discuss her insights into the region and the intersection of tribal groups, it is quite compelling.

[Perry D. Jefferies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and informative take on an event few know about

Exciting and easy read about an event few of us know - the evacuation of Libya a couple of years after Benghazi. Follow along the breathless journey with a CIA officer while she educates us all on the story behind the news. Ripping read.

[Naim Peress · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good memoir of a CIA analyst in a war zone. Though the author was not an operative, her Arabic language skills got her placed in the U.S. embassy in Tripoli, Libya. In her concise, clipped style, Carlson describes the deteriorating situation and escalating civil war in Libya and the later evacuation of U.S. personnel. Her narrative style of alternating chapters between the deterioration and the preparation and execution of the evacuation was a bit jarring at first but I got used to it. Carlson constructed a good narrative despite the restrictions placed by the CIA’s Publication Review Board. She made the story cohesive without the usual blacking-out that often accompanies CIA memoirs. Overall, an interesting and informative book.

[Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

Great personal story of a person stuck in a terrible position doing everything they can do to keep everyone around them save. I am left wondering what was the medication to send all the personnel out immediately.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting book about the evacuation of U.S. diplomatic/military/CIA presence from Tripoli in July 2014. A very empowering book for women to read.