US transfers 11 Yemeni inmates from Guantanamo to Oman

The United States has sent 11 Yemeni detainees of the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison to Oman, the Pentagon said on Monday.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin informed Congress in September 2023 about his intent to support the repatriation of the 11 detainees following a rigorous review, the Pentagon said.

“The United States appreciates the willingness of the Government of Oman and other partners to support ongoing U.S. efforts focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.”

The Guantanamo Bay detention camp is a US military prison within a US naval base in Cuba established by the George W Bush administration following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to hold suspected Islamist terrorists.

At one point, almost 800 people were held at the facility which has been condemned internationally for denying inmates their right to fair legal trial as well as human rights violations.

Despite calls from human rights organizations for its closure, a total of 15 detainees are still being held at Guantanamo.