Biden Administration Frees 11 Yemeni Detainees from Guantanamo, Linked to Al Qaeda, Including Alleged Bin Laden Bodyguards

The U.S. military has announced that 11 men detained for years at Guantanamo Bay will be resettled in Oman as part of an ongoing effort to reduce the population at the notorious detention facility. This move is part of broader U.S. policy to close down the Guantanamo Bay prison, which has been a focal point for international debate regarding human rights, legal detentions, and due process. The resettlement in Oman represents one of several international agreements aimed at providing resettlement for detainees who cannot be returned to their home countries due to ongoing conflicts, risks of persecution, or other issues.

Oman, known for its stable political environment and its pivotal role in Middle Eastern geopolitics, has shown willingness to assist in this humanitarian and diplomatic effort. The decision to host these men reflects Oman’s history of mediating and facilitating peace processes in the region. The Omani government’s involvement comes with assurances that the detainees will undergo a reintegration program, offering them education and vocational training to help them adjust to civilian life after their long periods of detention. This program is part of a broader initiative to ensure that these individuals pose no security threat and can reintegrate peacefully into society.

The process of transferring detainees from Guantanamo has been complex, involving detailed assessments by multiple U.S. government agencies including the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence services. Each detainee undergoes a comprehensive Periodic Review Board (PRB) process to determine their eligibility for transfer, focusing on whether they pose a continuing significant threat to the security of the United States. The decision for these 11 men reflects an agreement that they do not meet the criteria of posing a significant threat, opening up the possibility for their resettlement. This has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing over the potential risks and the moral and legal obligations of the U.S. government.

The resettlement agreement also involves commitments from the U.S. government to support Oman financially and logistically, covering aspects like housing, healthcare, and ongoing security monitoring of the former detainees. This support ensures that Oman can manage any potential challenges that might arise from integrating these men into their society. Additionally, this move has implications for U.S. foreign policy, enhancing diplomatic ties with Oman while adhering to commitments made to close Guantanamo by reducing its detainee population. The U.S. administration views this as a step towards fulfilling one of President Biden’s campaign promises to end the Guantanamo chapter, although it acknowledges that challenges remain due to legal, political, and international relations complications.

Source
https://nypost.com/2025/01/06/us-news/biden-admin-releases-11-yemeni-detainees-from-guantanamo-bay/