The United States sent 11 Yemeni prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay prison to Oman, the Pentagon announced on Monday. The number of inmates in the center dropped to 15.
The facility was opened on January 11, 2002, during the presidency of George W. Bush to detain suspected terrorists and “enemy combatants” during the US “war on terror” following the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington.
According to data Pentagon in 2003 there were approximately 680 prisoners in Guantanamo.
As a result of the recent displacement of 11 male citizens Yemenwill go to Oman. “The United States appreciates the willingness of the Government of Oman and other partners to support ongoing U.S. efforts to responsibly reduce the detainee population and ultimately close the Guantanamo facility,” the Pentagon said.
Guantanamo prisonMaren Hennegoth/PAP
There are 15 prisoners left at Guantanamo – three of whom are eligible for transfer, and an equal number are eligible to appear before the periodic commission. The rest are accused or convicted of war crimes.
The facility has long been criticized by organizations human rights and legal defenders in connection with potential violations of international humanitarian law.
Main photo source: Maren Hennegoth/PAP