The Biden administration has released 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay, raising concerns about potential security threats and the ongoing efforts to close the facility.
At a Glance
- 11 Yemeni detainees transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Oman
- Release part of Biden’s effort to reduce prisoner population and close the facility
- Only 15 detainees now remain at Guantanamo Bay
- Some released detainees have alleged ties to al-Qaeda
Biden Administration’s Controversial Move
In a significant development, the Biden administration has released 11 Yemeni detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, transferring them to Oman. This move, part of the administration’s broader strategy to reduce the prisoner population and ultimately close the facility, has sparked debate about national security implications.
The transfer operation, conducted secretly by the Pentagon, marks a substantial reduction in Guantanamo’s population, leaving only 15 detainees at the facility. This represents the smallest number of prisoners in the detention center’s over 20-year history.
The Biden administration has released 11 additional detainees from the U.S. military prison in Guantánamo Bay, sending the men, all natives of Yemen, to neighboring Oman, the Pentagon said Monday. https://t.co/GjHH3dq9GW
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 7, 2025
Concerns Over Released Detainees
Among those released are individuals with alleged ties to terrorist organizations, raising questions about potential security risks. Notable among the freed detainees are Moath Hamza Ahmed al-Alwi and Suhayl Abdul Anam al Sharabi, both alleged to have been bodyguards for Osama bin Laden.
“Oman reportedly “agreed to help resettle them and provide security monitoring” for the 11 prisoners, who are described as being “former al-Qaeda members,” according to records from the U.S. Department of Defense The decision to transfer these individuals to Oman comes after a thorough interagency review process. Officials determined that the transfers aligned with U.S. national security interests, despite the detainees’ backgrounds.
Biden’s Closure Strategy and Its Challenges
The release of these detainees is part of a larger strategy by the Biden administration to close the Guantanamo Bay facility. This plan has been in development for about three years but faced delays due to Congressional opposition. The transfer to Oman was necessary as U.S. law prohibits sending Guantánamo prisoners to Yemen due to the country’s ongoing instability from civil war. “The United States appreciates the willingness of the Government of Oman and other partners to support ongoing U.S. efforts focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility”
Critics argue that this move could potentially compromise national security, given the backgrounds of some of the released detainees. However, supporters of the closure maintain that the thorough review process and security arrangements with Oman mitigate these risks.
Looking Ahead
As the Biden administration continues its efforts to close Guantanamo Bay before transfer of power to President-elect Trump, the fate of the remaining 15 detainees remains uncertain. Some are eligible for possible transfer or further detention review, while others may face more complex legal challenges. The administration’s actions regarding Guantanamo Bay will likely remain a subject of intense scrutiny and debate in the coming months.
Sources:
Biden Administration Releases 11 Yemeni Terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to Oman
U.S. Sends 11 Guantánamo Prisoners to Oman to Start New Lives
