The Biden administration has released 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay, sparking concerns about potential security risks.
At a Glance
- 11 Yemeni prisoners transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Oman
- Release part of Biden’s plan to reduce detainee population and close the facility
- Only 15 detainees now remain at Guantanamo Bay
- Some released prisoners had alleged ties to al-Qaeda
- Transfer faced delays due to Congressional opposition
Biden Administration Releases Yemeni Detainees
The Pentagon has announced the transfer of 11 Yemeni prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to Oman, marking a significant step in the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce the detainee population and eventually close the controversial detention facility. This move has left only 15 men remaining at Guantanamo, the smallest number in its over 20-year history.
The transfer operation, conducted secretly by the Pentagon, comes after years of planning and delays due to Congressional opposition. None of the released prisoners had been charged with crimes during their detention, which began following their capture after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
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 the released prisoners are individuals with alleged ties to al-Qaeda, raising concerns about potential security risks. Notable detainees include Moath Hamza Ahmed al-Alwi and Suhayl Abdul Anam al Sharabi, both described as former 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” reported the U.S. Department of Defense.
The decision to transfer these detainees to Oman was made due to the legal restrictions preventing their return to Yemen, which is currently embroiled in a civil war. The U.S. government has expressed appreciation for Oman’s willingness to assist in the resettlement process and provide necessary security monitoring.
Transfer Process and Security Assurances
According to the Department of Defense, the release of these detainees followed a thorough interagency review process. Officials have stated that the transfer aligns with U.S. national security interests, despite the controversial backgrounds of some of the released prisoners.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had previously informed Congress in 2023 about the plan to repatriate these detainees to Oman. The transfer, which had been in development for about three years, faced significant delays due to opposition from some members of Congress who expressed concerns about potential security risks.
Implications for Guantanamo’s Future
This latest transfer represents a significant step in the Biden administration’s broader plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. With only 15 detainees remaining, the administration is moving closer to its goal of shutting down the controversial prison. “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” the DoD went on to say.
However, the future of the remaining detainees, including high-profile prisoners such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, remains uncertain. The Biden administration has reportedly offered plea deals to alleged 9/11 mastermind Mohammed and his co-conspirators, potentially sparing them the death penalty in exchange for guilty pleas.
Sources:
Biden Administration Releases 11 Yemeni Terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to Oman
U.S. Sends 11 Guantánamo Prisoners to Oman to Start New Lives
