Benghazi Survivor Mark Geist Condemns Soleimani Strike as Provocation

Mark Geist, a retired Marine and Benghazi annex team member, believes that the U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was not justified and has only heightened tensions in the region. Geist, who was part of the team that responded to the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, argues that the Soleimani strike was "a provocation" and that there was "no imminent threat" from Soleimani that warranted such a response.

Retired United States Marine and Benghazi annex team member Mark Geist believes that the U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was not justified and has only heightened tensions in the region. Geist, who was part of the team that responded to the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, argues that the Soleimani strike was "a provocation" and that there was "no imminent threat" from Soleimani that warranted such a response.

Benghazi Survivor Mark Geist Condemns Soleimani Strike as Provocation

Geist's comments come as tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high following the Soleimani strike. Iran has vowed to retaliate for the killing of its top general, and the U.S. has warned that it is prepared to respond to any attack.

Geist, who is now a security consultant, said in an interview with Fox News that he believes the Soleimani strike was a "mistake." He said that Soleimani was "not an imminent threat" to the United States and that the strike has only served to "escalate" tensions in the region.

Benghazi Survivor Mark Geist Condemns Soleimani Strike as Provocation

"I think it was a provocation," Geist said. "I think it was a mistake. I think it was unnecessary. And I think it's going to have long-term consequences that are going to be very negative for the United States."

Geist said that he believes the U.S. should have focused on diplomacy rather than military action in dealing with Iran. He said that the strike has "set back" relations between the two countries and has made it more difficult to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Benghazi Survivor Mark Geist Condemns Soleimani Strike as Provocation

"I think we need to be very careful about how we use military force," Geist said. "I think it's a very dangerous tool. And I think it should only be used as a last resort."

Geist's comments are echoed by other experts who believe that the Soleimani strike was a mistake. Former CIA Director John Brennan said that the strike was "reckless" and that it has "increased the risk of conflict" in the region.

Benghazi Survivor Mark Geist Condemns Soleimani Strike as Provocation

The U.S. government has defended the Soleimani strike, saying that it was necessary to protect American interests. However, critics argue that the strike has only served to increase tensions in the region and has made it more difficult to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.