In brief
In a significant move, the U.S. military has successfully transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Oman, leaving only 15 prisoners at the facility. This operation marks a pivotal step in efforts to close the infamous detention center, with all released prisoners previously cleared of charges.
The U.S. military executed a momentous transfer, sending 11 Yemeni prisoners from Guantánamo Bay to Oman, as part of a comprehensive effort to downsize the longstanding detention facility. This operation occurred in the early hours on a Monday, resulting in just 15 remaining detainees in Guantánamo, the smallest population since its inception in 2002.Among the released prisoners are individuals like Moath al-Alwi, noted for his artistry in crafting model boats, and Abdulsalam al-Hela, who was a critical witness in the U.S.S. Cole defense proceedings. All 11 men had been held for nearly 20 years without any charges against them. Now, only a small fraction of the detainees, with six being formally charged or convicted, remain as President Biden's administration seeks resolution to the controversial existence of the facility.The Pentagon clarified that the release operation had been in discussions for approximately three years, undergoing delays largely due to congressional opposition. Tensions heightened as the transfer coincided with the anticipated plea from Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the accused orchestrator of the 9/11 attacks, signaling a new chapter for the facility.As the facility prepares for these changes, U.S. officials have remained discreet regarding the specifics of agreements formed with Oman, a reliable partner in the Middle East, particularly given the legal restrictions against sending prisoners back to war-torn Yemen. Furthermore, this recent development embodies a significant shift towards rectifying the controversial practices surrounding Guantánamo Bay and the individuals held there.
