US Transfers Guantanamo Prisoners to Oman

The US Department of Defense announced that 11 Yemeni prisoners have been transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Oman. The prison, located in eastern Cuba, now holds only 15 detainees.

Guantanamo was established in 2002 during the presidency of George W. Bush. Its primary purpose was to detain individuals suspected of links to terrorist groups during what was called the “War on Terror” after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

In an official statement, the Pentagon said:

“The United States appreciates the willingness of the Government of Oman and other partners to support our efforts to responsibly reduce the number of detainees and ultimately close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.”

This statement comes just a week after the return of a Tunisian prisoner to his home country.

Of the 15 remaining detainees at Guantanamo:

• 3 are eligible for immediate transfer to other countries.
• 3 are awaiting a review of their cases to assess the possibility of release.
• 7 face formal charges, while 2 have been convicted.

International Condemnation

Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the conditions at Guantanamo, accusing the United States of torture and human rights violations.

Both Barack Obama and Joe Biden pledged to close Guantanamo during their presidencies. However, the facility remains operational, and with Biden’s presidency nearing its end, the promise remains unfulfilled.

Guantanamo continues to be one of the most controversial legacies of the “War on Terror.”