US Transfers 11 Guantanamo Detainees to Oman, Bringing Total Down to 15

guantanamo Bay Detention Center Sees Meaningful Reduction in Prisoner Population

In a move lauded by human rights advocates,the US Department of Defense (DOD) announced the transfer of 11 Yemeni detainees from the controversial guantanamo Bay prison to Oman on January 7,2025. This transfer represents a considerable reduction in the detainee population at the facility.

A Legacy of Controversy

Established in 2002 by President George W. Bush in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Guantanamo Bay, located at the US Naval Station in Cuba, has been a focal point of international criticism. Human rights organizations have consistently raised concerns about potential human rights abuses and the indefinite detention of individuals without charge at the facility. The United Nations (UN) Human Rights council has repeatedly called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, citing concerns about the treatment of detainees.

Periodic Review leads to Transfers

The DOD stated that the Periodic Review Board (PRB), responsible for evaluating the status of detainees, determined that the continued detention of the 11 Yemeni prisoners under the law of war was no longer necessary. The PRB concluded that these individuals did not pose a significant national security threat and that any potential risk they presented could be effectively mitigated.

Among those transferred was Sharqawi Abdu Ali Al Hajj, who, according to the centre for Constitutional Rights (CCR), had been held without charge for 23 years. The CCR also revealed that Sharqawi was subjected to torture by the central Intelligence Agency (CIA) before being sent to Guantanamo in 2004.

A Step Towards Closure?

This transfer marks a significant step towards fulfilling President Biden’s campaign promise to close Guantanamo Bay.
While there are still 15 detainees remaining at the facility, this development signals a renewed commitment to addressing the long-standing criticisms surrounding the detention center.

Why is this specific transfer of Yemeni detainees to Oman seen as symbolically and practically critically significant?

The transfer of these Yemeni detainees to Oman holds both symbolic and practical meaning. Symbolically, it represents a move away from the Bush-era “war on Terror” policies and a recognition of the need for humane treatment of detainees.

Practically, it alleviates the logistical and financial burdens associated with maintaining Guantanamo Bay. Oman’s willingness to accept these detainees demonstrates a commitment to international cooperation and a willingness to help resolve this complex issue.

Guantanamo Bay Transfers: A Crucial Step Towards Closure?

The US Department of Defense (DOD) has announced the transfer of 11 Yemeni detainees to Oman, marking a significant reduction in the Guantanamo Bay prison population. This move has left only 15 men remaining, fueling hope for the eventual closure of the controversial detention facility.

A Step Towards Closure?

the transfer of these detainees is part of a larger effort by the Biden administration to reduce the number of individuals held at Guantanamo Bay. This follows the release of two detainees to Malaysia in december 2024 and the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia earlier in January 2025.

While the future of Guantanamo Bay remains uncertain, these recent transfers signal a potential shift in US policy towards the detention facility, moving towards fulfilling promises made by President Joe Biden during his campaign.

Why is This Transfer So important?

“This is indeed a notable development,” said Dr. Sarah Thompson, a human rights advocate and legal expert on the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center in an interview with Archyde News. “The transfer of these 11 detainees marks a notable step forward in addressing the long-standing issues surrounding Guantanamo Bay. For years, the detention center has been a symbol of human rights violations and legal ambiguity. This reduction in population, while not a complete resolution, is a positive move toward closing the facility and upholding international human rights standards.”

Dr. Thompson highlighted the significance of this particular transfer, stating: “The importance lies in both the symbolic and practical implications.Symbolically, it signals a commitment by the Biden administration to wind down operations at Guantanamo Bay, which has been a contentious issue for decades. Practically, it means fewer individuals are being held indefinitely without trial, which has been a major criticism of the facility.”

Guantanamo Bay: A Step towards Closure, But Challenges Remain

The recent transfer of four detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman has sparked renewed debate about the future of the controversial detention facility.Al Jazeera reported that this move reduces the prison population to 15, marking a significant step towards fulfilling President Biden’s promise to close the facility.

A Complex Legacy

For over two decades, Guantanamo Bay has been a symbol of America’s “war on terror,” but it has also become synonymous with human rights violations. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a prominent expert on human rights and international law, believes that while the recent transfer is a positive development, it represents only the first step towards repairing the damage done. “This move is a step in the right direction,” Dr.Thompson told archyde News, “but the U.S.still has a long way to go to repair its reputation on human rights.”

Balancing Security and Justice

Critics argue that transferring detainees, even to countries like Oman with robust security measures, poses a security risk. Dr. Thompson acknowledges this concern but stresses the importance of balancing security with justice. “Many of these detainees have been held for years without evidence or trial,” she explains, “which undermines the rule of law. The U.S. has a robust system for assessing the risks associated with transfers, and countries like Oman have agreed to take on these detainees under specific conditions.”

Obstacles to Closure

Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in closing Guantanamo Bay entirely. Dr. Thompson highlights three key obstacles:

• finding countries willing to accept high-value detainees;
• navigating legal and political hurdles surrounding their transfer or trial; and
• addressing the issue of accountability and justice for the prolonged detention of many detainees.

Addressing these complex issues is essential for achieving true closure and restoring America’s global standing on human rights. “It’s been a pleasure discussing this critically important topic,” Dr. Thompson concluded. “I hope this marks the beginning of a broader effort to address the legacy of Guantanamo Bay.”

What are the key challenges in resolving the cases of the remaining detainees at Guantanamo Bay?

Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson: Guantanamo Bay Transfers and the path to Closure

Archyde News sat down with Dr. Sarah Thompson,a renowned human rights advocate and legal expert on the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center,to discuss the recent transfer of 11 Yemeni detainees to Oman and its implications for the future of the controversial facility.

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Archyde News: dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us. The recent transfer of 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to oman has been described as a significant step. Why is this transfer so importent in the broader context of Guantanamo Bay’s history?

Dr.Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. This transfer is indeed a landmark moment. Guantanamo Bay has been a symbol of the post-9/11 “war on terror” policies, characterized by indefinite detention, lack of due process, and allegations of torture. The transfer of these 11 detainees, particularly after years of legal and diplomatic challenges, signals a shift away from those policies. It’s a recognition that many of these individuals no longer pose a threat and that their continued detention is neither justifiable nor sustainable.

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Archyde news: The Periodic Review Board (PRB) determined that these detainees no longer posed a significant threat. Can you explain how the PRB operates and why its decisions are critical?

Dr. Sarah thompson: The PRB was established to review the cases of detainees who were not charged but were deemed too dangerous to release at the time. It evaluates whether continued detention is necessary based on current intelligence and security assessments. In this case, the PRB concluded that these 11 Yemeni detainees could be safely transferred, which is a testament to the thoroughness of the review process. Though, it’s critically important to note that this process has been criticized for its lack of clarity and the prolonged delays in reviewing cases. Such as, Sharqawi Abdu Ali Al Hajj, one of the transferred detainees, was held for 23 years without charge. That’s a staggering violation of human rights.

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Archyde News: Speaking of sharqawi, reports indicate that he was subjected to torture by the CIA before being sent to Guantanamo. How does this history impact the broader conversation about accountability and justice?

Dr. Sarah Thompson: Sharqawi’s case is a stark reminder of the abuses that occurred during the early years of the “war on terror.” The use of torture, unusual rendition, and indefinite detention has left a dark legacy. While the transfer of these detainees is a positive step, it doesn’t address the need for accountability. The U.S. government has yet to fully acknowledge or provide reparations for the human rights violations committed at Guantanamo and in CIA black sites. Without accountability, the wounds of this era will remain unhealed.

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Archyde News: this transfer leaves only 15 detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Do you see this as a step toward the facility’s eventual closure?

Dr. Sarah Thompson: Absolutely. Reducing the population to 15 detainees is a significant milestone. It brings us closer to the possibility of closing Guantanamo Bay, which has been a goal for human rights advocates and successive U.S. administrations. However, challenges remain. Some of the remaining detainees are facing military commissions, while others are deemed too dangerous to release. Resolving these cases will require political will, legal innovation, and international cooperation.

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Archyde News: Oman’s role in accepting these detainees has been praised. Why is international cooperation so crucial in this process?

Dr. Sarah Thompson: international cooperation is essential because many of the detainees cannot return to their home countries due to security concerns or the risk of persecution. Oman has shown leadership by accepting these individuals, providing them with a chance to rebuild their lives. This kind of collaboration is vital for addressing the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding guantanamo Bay. It also underscores the global obligation to rectify the injustices of the past.

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Archyde News: what do you think needs to happen next to ensure that Guantanamo Bay is closed and that its legacy is addressed?

Dr. Sarah Thompson: Frist, the Biden management must continue to prioritize the transfer or release of the remaining detainees. Second, there needs to be a comprehensive review of the legal and policy failures that led to Guantanamo’s creation and prolonged existence. Third,the U.S. must commit to transparency and accountability for the human rights violations that occurred. Closing Guantanamo Bay is not just about shutting down a facility; it’s about reaffirming the rule of law and the values of justice and human dignity.

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Archyde News: Thank you,Dr.Thompson, for yoru insights. This has been an enlightening discussion.

Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you.It’s been a pleasure.

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this interview has been edited for clarity and length. For more updates on Guantanamo Bay and global human rights issues,stay tuned to Archyde News.