US Transfers 15 Guantanamo Detainees to UAE

Washington, 13 Dzulqa’dah1437/16 August 2016 (MINA) – The US announced the transfer of 15 detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the UAE, the Pentagon revealed in a statement Monday night.

“The United States is grateful to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its willingness to support ongoing US efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility,” KUNA reported, quoting the statement.

The US coordinated with the UAE to, “ensure these transfers took place consistent with appropriate security and humane treatment measures,” affirmed the Pentagon.

The Guantanamo prisoners were rounded up overseas when the United States became embroiled in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington.

The United States has struggled to persuade other nations to accept the prisoners because of concerns they could launch attacks and by America’s unwillingness to accept them on the U.S. mainland.

Today, 61 detainees remain at the Guantanamo Bay prison. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic Nws Agency (MINA)