The Biden administration has released 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay, raising concerns about national security and the future of the controversial prison facility.
At a Glance
- 11 Yemeni detainees, including alleged al Qaeda members, released from Guantanamo Bay
- Prisoners transferred to Oman for resettlement and security monitoring
- Release part of Biden’s efforts to reduce Guantanamo population and eventually close the facility
- Only 15 detainees now remain at Guantanamo, the lowest number in its 20-year history
- Move faces criticism due to potential security risks and alleged terrorist connections of released detainees
Biden Administration’s Controversial Decision
In a move that has sparked debate and raised security concerns, the Biden administration has released 11 Yemeni detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. These individuals, some of whom have alleged connections to terrorist organizations like al Qaeda, have been transferred to Oman for resettlement and monitoring. The release marks a significant step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce the prisoner population at Guantanamo and ultimately close the facility.
The transfer operation, conducted secretly by the Pentagon, has been in development for approximately three years but faced delays due to Congressional opposition. This latest action leaves only 15 men remaining at Guantanamo Bay, marking the smallest population in its 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
High-Profile Detainees Released
Among the released prisoners are several high-profile detainees, including Moath Hamza Ahmed al-Alwi and Suhayl Abdul Anam al Sharabi, both alleged former bodyguards of Osama bin Laden. The release of such individuals has intensified scrutiny of the administration’s decision, with critics questioning the potential risks to national security.
“While the men had been “approved for transfer by national security officials” more than two years ago, they were approved to be transferred to Oman on Monday” The Department of Defense has emphasized that the release followed a thorough interagency review, determining the detainees’ eligibility for transfer in alignment with U.S. national security interests. However, this assurance has done little to quell concerns among those who view the move as potentially compromising America’s safety.
Oman’s Role in Resettlement
Oman has agreed to play a crucial role in the resettlement process, providing security monitoring for the former detainees. This arrangement was necessary due to the legal prohibition on sending Guantanamo prisoners to Yemen, which is currently unstable due to ongoing 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”
While the administration views Oman’s cooperation as a positive step towards responsibly managing the closure of Guantanamo, critics argue that outsourcing the monitoring of potentially dangerous individuals to a foreign government poses its own set of risks and challenges.
Implications for Future Guantanamo Policy
This latest release underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to its controversial goal of closing Guantanamo Bay. With only 15 detainees remaining, the facility’s future hangs in the balance. The administration’s approach, including offering plea deals to high-profile detainees like alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, signals a shift in how the U.S. intends to handle the legacy of Guantanamo.
As the debate over national security and human rights continues, the release of these 11 Yemeni detainees marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga of Guantanamo Bay. The coming months will likely see increased scrutiny of the administration’s policies and their impact on America’s counterterrorism efforts and global standing.
Sources:
Biden Administration Releases 11 Yemeni Terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to Oman
U.S. Sends 11 Guantánamo Prisoners to Oman to Start New Lives
