The Biden administration released 11 Yemeni terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, sparking controversy and raising questions about national security.
At a Glance
- 11 Yemeni detainees transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Oman
- Transfer part of Biden’s efforts to close the facility
- Released prisoners include alleged al Qaeda fighters and bin Laden bodyguards
- Only 15 detainees now remain at Guantanamo Bay
Biden Administration’s Controversial Move
In a move that has sparked intense debate, the Biden administration has released 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman. This transfer, part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to close the detention facility, has raised concerns about potential security risks and the handling of individuals with alleged ties to terrorist organizations.
The Pentagon announced that the transfer operation was conducted secretly, leaving only 15 men remaining at Guantanamo Bay. This marks the smallest population in the facility’s over 20-year history. The decision to release these detainees comes after a thorough interagency review, which determined their eligibility for transfer in line with U.S. national security interests.
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
Controversial Releases and Security Concerns
Among the released prisoners are individuals with alleged ties to al Qaeda, including Moath Hamza Ahmed al-Alwi and Suhayl Abdul Anam al Sharabi, both reportedly former bodyguards for Osama bin Laden. This information has fueled criticism from those who argue that such releases could pose significant security risks. “Oman reportedly “agreed to help resettle them and provide security monitoring” for the 11 prisoners, who are described as being “former al-Qaeda members,” according to records from the U.S. Department of Defense” reported the U.S. Department of Defense.
Critics argue that the release of these individuals, despite their alleged connections to terrorist organizations, undermines national security efforts and potentially puts American lives at risk. Supporters of the move, however, point out that none of the released prisoners had been charged with crimes during their detention, raising questions about the legality and ethics of their prolonged incarceration.
Biden’s Push to Close Guantanamo
The transfer is part of President Biden’s broader strategy to reduce Guantanamo’s prisoner population and ultimately close the facility. This plan has been in development for about three years but faced delays due to Congressional opposition. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had informed Congress in 2023 about the plan to repatriate these detainees to Oman.
The administration’s decision to transfer these detainees to Oman rather than Yemen is notable. By law, Guantánamo prisoners cannot be sent to Yemen due to its instability from civil war. This legal constraint has complicated efforts to relocate Yemeni detainees and underscores the complexities involved in closing the Guantanamo facility.
Looking Ahead
As the Biden administration continues its efforts to close Guantanamo Bay, questions remain about the fate of the remaining 15 detainees and the potential security implications of their release. The administration’s approach to handling high-profile detainees, including alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, will likely face scrutiny in the coming months.
The controversial release of these 11 Yemeni detainees highlights the ongoing debate between national security concerns and the legal and ethical issues surrounding indefinite detention without trial. As the Guantanamo population dwindles, the Biden administration will need to navigate these complex issues carefully, balancing security priorities with its commitment to closing the facility.
Sources:
Biden Administration Releases 11 Yemeni Terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to Oman
U.S. Sends 11 Guantánamo Prisoners to Oman to Start New Lives
