(DCWatchdog.com) – After holding these men for over two decades without charge, the Biden administration decided to transfer 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman.
The Pentagon announced the transfer this week, reducing the notorious prison’s population to a mere 15 detainees – the lowest in its history.
This drastic reduction comes as part of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to clear Guantanamo of detainees who were never charged.
This move has sparked controversy and criticism from those who believe these individuals pose ongoing threats to American security.
While the Department of Defense (DOD) claimed this transfer is “consistent with the national security interests of the United States,” many conservatives argue that releasing potential terrorists back into the world is a dangerous gamble.
The fact that these men were held for over 20 years without formal charges raises questions about the effectiveness of the judicial process and the potential risks associated with their release.
U.S. transfers 11 Guantanamo detainees to Oman after more than two decades without chargehttps://t.co/ct9exA1VNk pic.twitter.com/JUwuxl3p3L
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 7, 2025
Critics of the move pointed out that Yemen, the detainees’ home country, was deemed too unstable for repatriation due to its ongoing civil war.
Moreover, the transfer includes notable detainees such as Moath al-Alwi and Shaqawi Al-Hajj, who are known for their unique activities and protests during detention.
Al Hajj, in particular, has a history of protesting his detention through hunger strikes and was reportedly subjected to torture in CIA custody.
The release of such individuals with a history of resistance and potential grievances against the United States could pose significant risks to national security.
This latest move follows the recent repatriation of another detainee to Tunisia, further depleting the prison’s population.
With only 15 detainees remaining, including three eligible for transfer, the Biden administration appears to be moving forward with its agenda to potentially close the facility entirely.
Former President Obama, who left office in 2017, also argued that its existence harms partnerships with countries needed to help the US fight terrorism and that it helps fuel the recruitment of jihadists.
While Obama attempted to close the prison, citing its contradiction to US values and negative impact on international relations, his efforts faced strong congressional opposition.
President Trump, recognizing the importance of maintaining a strong stance against terrorism, halted these closure efforts and signed an order to keep Guantanamo Bay open.
As Biden resumes efforts to reduce the prison population, the potential return of these detainees to terrorist activities poses a grave threat to the nation and its allies.
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