In brief
The U.S. military has completed a secret operation to transfer 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Oman, reducing the prison population to just 15 inmates—the lowest since its opening in 2002. This effort aligns with the Biden administration's ongoing initiative to close the controversial detention facility. Notably, none of the released prisoners had been charged with any crimes during their 20 years of detention. Among those released are Moath al-Alwi, known for his artistic endeavors, and Abdulsalam al-Hela, whose insights were sought in a high-profile case. The release reflects a broader movement to reduce the Guantánamo population, which stood at 40 detainees when Biden assumed office. The Pentagon's operation comes shortly before a significant hearing for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. U.S. officials have not disclosed the terms of the transfer agreement with Oman, a key ally in the Middle East.
U.S. Transfers 11 Yemeni Guantánamo Prisoners to Oman as Detention Center Population DecreasesIn a significant development, the U.S. has transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Oman, marking a historic low in prison population.The U.S. military has completed a secret operation to transfer 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Oman, reducing the prison population to just 15 inmates—the lowest since its opening in 2002. This effort aligns with the Biden administration's ongoing initiative to close the controversial detention facility. Notably, none of the released prisoners had been charged with any crimes during their 20 years of detention. Among those released are Moath al-Alwi, known for his artistic endeavors, and Abdulsalam al-Hela, whose insights were sought in a high-profile case. The release reflects a broader movement to reduce the Guantánamo population, which stood at 40 detainees when Biden assumed office. The Pentagon's operation comes shortly before a significant hearing for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. U.S. officials have not disclosed the terms of the transfer agreement with Oman, a key ally in the Middle East.
