In brief
The transfer of these 11 prisoners, who were never charged with crimes, concludes a purposeful effort by the Biden administration aimed at reducing the Guantánamo population. The operation, kept under wraps for years, raises questions about the future of the remaining detainees and the implications for U.S. relations with Oman.
The U.S. military has successfully moved 11 Yemeni prisoners from Guantánamo Bay to Oman, as stated by the Pentagon on Monday. This operation leaves only 15 men remaining in the facility, marking the smallest population since its inception in 2002. Notably, none of those released had faced charges during their prolonged two-decade detention. The prisoner transfer aligns with the Biden administration's goal to downsize the contentious detention center, which had 40 detainees upon Biden taking office.This covert operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday and comes just before the notorious Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was set to plead guilty in connection to the September 11 attacks. The handover was anticipated and in progress for three years, but was initially delayed by Congressional objections.Among the released detainees is Moath al-Alwi, known for his artistic endeavors within the prison and as a long-term hunger striker, alongside Abdulsalam al-Hela, who was a significant witness in a defense case related to the U.S.S. Cole attack. Another notable release is Hassan Bin Attash, whose brother has faced allegations in the September 11 case.All prisoners underwent scrutiny by federal national-security review panels and received clearance for their transfer. However, details regarding what concessions were made to Oman, a vital U.S. ally in the Middle East, remain undisclosed. It is noteworthy that the legal framework prohibits returning detainees to Yemen due to the ongoing civil war that renders the country dangerous for their rehabilitation.This strategic move highlights continuing efforts to diminish the longstanding complexities surrounding Guantánamo Bay, although the fate of remaining detainees hangs uncertain amidst increasing global scrutiny.
