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U.S. News
07 January 2025

U.S. Government Releases Eleven Guantanamo Detainees

The recent transfer to Oman brings remaining detainees down to 15, amid efforts to close the controversial facility.

The U.S. government has confirmed the release of eleven detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, reducing the number of individuals held at the controversial military prison to just 15. This move was part of the Biden administration's efforts to close the facility, located on the Caribbean island of Cuba, which has long faced criticism for its treatment of detainees and the indefinite nature of their confinement.

According to the U.S. military, all eleven of the released individuals are Yemeni men. They were transferred to Oman, which has agreed to accept former detainees. The Pentagon reported this transition took place just before the end of President Joe Biden's term, amid intensified efforts to downsize the Guantanamo population.

These eleven men had spent more than two decades at Guantanamo without formal charges, raising significant concerns from human rights advocates about the legality and ethics of their detention. Historically, the facility, opened on January 11, 2002, as part of the U.S. response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, has held as many as 800 individuals at its peak. Now, the administration faces the challenge of finding appropriate solutions for those remaining inside as they navigate regulations imposed by Congress.

Notably, the U.S. Congress has enacted measures restricting the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the mainland United States. It has also prohibited repatriation to certain countries, including Yemen, due to its longstanding internal conflicts and perceived security risks. Despite these limitations, Oman has been accommodating, previously accepting several dozen ex-detainees, showcasing its role as key partner in facilitating these releases.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin communicated with Congress as early as September 2023 about intentions to support the transfer of these detainees, following stringent reviews to assess their than being considered for future releases. This step reflects broader strategic goals to responsibly reduce the number of detainees at Guantanamo and work toward its eventual closure.

Military officials confirmed the release amid significant domestic and international pressure to close the facility. Groups such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and various civil rights organizations have condemned the conditions at Guantanamo, citing human rights offenses and the unjust nature of indefinite detention without trial.

The recent actions mark Biden's continued commitment to addressing the complex legacy of Guantanamo; he initially outlined securing its closure as one of his administration's priorities. Nonetheless, this goal has proven challenging, stymied by bipartisan congressional resistance and complicated international politics.

The prisoners still remaining at Guantanamo include two who have been convicted by military commissions. Following this release, three detainees are currently deemed suitable for transfer based on assessments of their cases, whereas three more are under regular case review. Known for its makeshift trials, the military justice system at Guantanamo has been criticized for its lack of transparency and fairness.

The facility's sustained existence continues to spark debates about U.S. ethics and its legal framework around counterterrorism practices. Detractors consistently demand accountability for detainees being held without due process, labelling the facility as symbolic of human rights violations within U.S. borders.

Calls for closure have echoed throughout both Democratic and Republican administrations, with former President Barak Obama and even former President Donald Trump recognizing the contentious nature of Guantanamo. Trump's approach favored keeping the facility operational, contrasting with Biden's push for reform and eventual dissolution.

The broader global community remains attentive as the U.S. navigates these complicated waters through reassessments of its counterterrorism policies, the significance of international law, and standard practices surrounding human rights protections. The release of the eleven detainees not only alters the statistics of Guantanamo but also serves as a potential turning point for the facility's authorities and the legal discourse surrounding it.

Going forward, whether the Biden administration can overcome entrenched congressional barriers and public sentiment to fulfill the pledge to close Guantanamo remains uncertain. This latest transfer offers cautious optimism but highlights the significant hurdles yet to be resolved. Advocates for human rights are watching closely as the final chapter of Guantanamo Bay is still being written.