US nears Guantanamo closure with latest prisoner transfer
The White House is striving to close the controversial prison at Guantanamo Bay. Eleven prisoners have recently been transferred to Oman, leaving only 15 remaining inmates. At its peak, nearly 800 individuals were detained there.
The Pentagon emphasised that "the United States appreciates the support of Oman and other partners in reducing the number of detainees and working towards closing Guantanamo."
Of the remaining 15 prisoners at Guantanamo, three are eligible for transfer, and another three are set to appear before a Periodic Review Board. The other prisoners are accused or convicted of war crimes.
The US authorities are aiming for a systematic reduction in the number of prisoners and the eventual closure of Guantanamo.
An end to Guantanamo? The last detainees are leaving
The prison was opened following the attacks on 11 September 2001 and quickly became a symbol of controversy due to harsh interrogation methods and the detention of prisoners without trial.
Under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, a total of 697 individuals were released. However, the closure of the facility, which was promised by Obama and Joe Biden, has not yet been realised due to resistance from Congress.
Source: tvn24.pl/Reuters/PAP
