U.S. Transfers 11 Yemeni Detainees from Guantanamo to Oman After More Than Two Decades

The United States transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman on Monday, January 6th, after holding them for more than two decades without charge. This move is part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce the detainee population at the facility.

The Pentagon confirmed the transfer, which took place earlier this week, emphasizing the continued collaboration with countries like Oman in facilitating the relocation of detainees. “The United States appreciates the willingness of the government of Oman and other partners to support ongoing US efforts focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility,” a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense read.

Among those released is Sharqawi al-Hajj, who had been held at Guantanamo for 21 years. Al-Hajj’s detention followed two years of torture in CIA custody. The Yemeni detainee had gained attention for his repeated hunger strikes, which led to numerous hospitalizations. Pardiss Kebriaei, a lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), said, “Our thoughts are with Mr Al Hajj as he transitions to the free world after almost 23 years in captivity. His release is hopeful for him and for us.“

This release brings the number of detainees remaining at Guantanamo to just 15, the lowest since the facility opened in 2002. At its peak, Guantanamo held nearly 800 detainees, mostly men seized during the “War on Terror” following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Human rights groups have long criticized the prison for its treatment of detainees and its controversial status as a site of indefinite detention without charge.

Amnesty International, while welcoming the release of the 11 detainees, called Guantanamo a “glaring, longstanding stain on the human rights record of the United States.” The organization has repeatedly called for the closure of the facility and the release of those still detained without charges.

While the Biden administration has made efforts to transfer detainees to other countries, finding willing host nations has been a significant hurdle. Oman has been a key player in these efforts, having previously accepted detainees from Guantanamo. However, the fate of some former detainees remains unclear. Some have been released, but others face uncertain futures in conflict-ridden regions like Yemen.

As of the time of reporting, six detainees remain at Guantanamo without charge, and seven others face charges related to the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole and the 2001 terrorist attacks. The closure of Guantanamo Bay remains a contentious issue, with some lawmakers pushing for its permanent shutdown, while others argue that those still held should face trial.