In brief
The release of the detainees comes amid ongoing legal proceedings for the remaining inmates, demonstrating efforts toward the closure of the controversial facility.
In a significant development, the U.S. military has successfully transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Oman. This operation, disclosed by the Pentagon on Monday, reduces the prison population to just 15 inmates — the lowest since the facility was inaugurated in 2002. None of the released men faced formal charges throughout their lengthy imprisonment, and this move comes at the conclusion of the Biden administration’s initiative to wind down operations at the infamous detention center.The release took place under the cover of darkness, just ahead of a scheduled plea from Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, known as the mastermind behind the September 11 attacks. The transfer had been anticipated for nearly three years but faced delays due to congressional pushback on the origination plans set for October 2023. Among the released were notable figures such as Moath al-Alwi, recognized for creative endeavors while imprisoned, and Abdulsalam al-Hela, whose insights were valuable to legal proceedings concerning the USS Cole attack. The transfers followed approvals from national-security review boards, ensuring that all recipients were deemed safe for relocation.The terms of the agreement with Oman, a stable U.S. partner in the Middle East, remain undisclosed, including any concessions or guarantees exchanged. The legal framework prohibits the repatriation of prisoners to Yemen due to the ongoing civil conflict, which jeopardizes the reintegration and safety of returnees.
