Guantanamo Bay’s Population Shrinks Further: 11 Yemeni Detainees Transferred to Oman

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has taken a significant step in its ongoing efforts to responsibly reduce the detainee population at Guantanamo Bay and move closer to the facility’s eventual closure.

Eleven Yemeni detainees, identified through rigorous interagency reviews, have been transferred to the Government of Oman, the Pentagon reported on Monday, January 6. This marks another milestone in the facility’s long and controversial history.

To understand the significance of this development, let’s examine the rigorous review process and the steps leading to this transfer.

A Complex Process of Review and Transfer

According to DoD, the transfer of these 11 individuals, namely:

1. Uthman Abd al-Rahim Muhammad Uthman,
2. Moath Hamza Ahmed al-Alwi,
3. Khalid Ahmed Qassim,
4. Suhayl Abdul Anam al Sharabi,
5. Hani Saleh Rashid Abdullah,
6. Tawfiq Nasir Awad Al-Bihani,
7. Omar Mohammed Ali al-Rammah,
8. Sanad Ali Yislam Al Kazimi,
9. Hassan Muhammad Ali Bib Attash,
10. Sharqawi Abdu Ali Al Hajj,
11. Abd Al-Salam Al-Hilah,

All men followed a comprehensive process established under Executive Orders 13492 and 13567.

These detainees were deemed eligible for transfer based on unanimous determinations by senior career officials from multiple US government agencies, including the DoD, Homeland Security, Justice, and State, as well as the Joint Staff and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

For one detainee, Tawfiq Nasir Awad Al-Bihani, eligibility was established through the 2009 executive order on the disposition of Guantanamo detainees.

The remaining 10 underwent evaluations under the Periodic Review Board (PRB) process created by Executive Order 13567.

The PRB determined that their continued detention was no longer necessary to mitigate significant threats to US national security and that any remaining risks could be adequately managed.

A Step Toward Closure

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin notified Congress on September 15, 2023, of the intent to repatriate these detainees to Oman.

Following consultations and preparation with the Government of Oman, the transfer was completed, demonstrating the US government’s commitment to reducing the detainee population responsibly.

Oman’s cooperation, along with that of other international partners, underscores the importance of global collaboration in addressing the complex legacy of Guantanamo Bay.

The transfer leaves 15 detainees remaining at the facility, with their statuses varying: three are eligible for transfer, three are awaiting PRB evaluations, seven are involved in military commissions, and two have been convicted and sentenced.

Guantanamo Bay’s Controversial History

Opened in 2002, Guantanamo Bay has been a focal point of intense debate regarding human rights, national security, and the rule of law.

Once housing nearly 800 detainees, the facility’s population has steadily declined over the years due to efforts by successive US administrations to repatriate or resettle detainees.

However, the facility remains a symbol of the US response to global terrorism and the complexities of indefinite detention.

The Biden administration has reiterated its goal of closing Guantanamo Bay, a promise first made during the Obama administration. This transfer reflects a broader effort to address the moral, legal, and financial costs associated with keeping the facility open.

Addressing Risks and Safeguarding Security

The PRB process ensures that national security remains a priority.

Each decision to transfer a detainee involves thorough assessments and mitigation measures to address potential risks.

These determinations are rooted in the understanding that continued detention is only justified when absolutely necessary to protect US interests.

Oman’s willingness to accept the detainees highlights the importance of international partnerships in finding solutions for resettlement.

The country has previously accepted other Guantanamo detainees, showcasing its role as a trusted partner in addressing global security challenges.

Final Thoughts

With only 15 detainees remaining, the question of Guantanamo Bay’s future looms large.

Critics of the facility argue that its closure would signal a renewed commitment to the rule of law and human rights, while proponents maintain that it plays a vital role in national security.

Balancing these perspectives requires careful, deliberate action, and the transfer of detainees like these 11 Yemeni nationals reflects progress in navigating these challenges.

As the US government works to address the legacy of Guantanamo Bay, the support of partners like Oman and the diligence of interagency review processes underscore the importance of collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to justice.

While the road ahead remains complex, each transfer brings the United States closer to resolving one of its most polarizing post-9/11 policies.