Diplomatic security in Benghazi was weak and deteriorating, a former special forces soldier who was the head of a US security team in the Libyan capital was to tell lawmakers Wednesday.

In Benghazi "the situation remained uncertain and reports from some Libyans indicated it was getting worse. Diplomatic security remained weak," Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Wood said in remarks prepared for a special congressional hearing into the September 11 attack on the US consulate in the Libyan city.

On 11 September, US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, along with three members of his staff, were killed during an attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya sparking condemnation by the international community.