Washington, D.C. – In a move signaling the ongoing efforts to close Guantanamo Bay, eleven Yemeni detainees were recently transferred to Oman as part of the Biden administration’s push to reduce the detainee population at the military prison.

The transfer, which was initiated by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who informed Congress of the plan in September 2023, marks a step towards fulfilling President Joe Biden’s goal of shuttering the Guantanamo Bay facility. With only 15 detainees now remaining at the detention center and three of them eligible for transfer, the administration is making strides in reducing the number of individuals held there.

Among the detainees transferred to Oman were individuals who had not been charged with any crimes during their detention. The move comes amidst ongoing advocacy for the closure of Guantanamo Bay and concerns over the treatment of detainees, including reports of torture and mistreatment.

One of the Yemeni men transferred, Qassim, had allegedly endured severe torture and mistreatment at various detention facilities, including Guantanamo Bay. The transfer was praised by advocates as a step towards justice, although concerns over the treatment of detainees linger.

In recent weeks, the United States has also transferred Guantanamo Bay detainees to other countries such as Kenya, Malaysia, and Tunisia as part of efforts to address the remaining detainee population at the facility. Additionally, a military appeals court decision has put plea deals back on track for alleged co-conspirators of the 9/11 attacks, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, after Defense Secretary Austin’s attempt to reject the deals.

The ongoing transfers and legal proceedings underscore the complexities surrounding the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and the challenges in addressing the remaining detainee population. As advocacy for closure continues, the Biden administration remains focused on addressing issues related to Guantanamo Bay and the individuals detained there.