Fifteen Guantanamo detainees sent to U.A.E.
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 August 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Fifteen Guantanamo detainees sent to U.A.E., 16 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a047.html [accessed 20 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 16, 2016
Fifteen prisoners formerly held at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have been sent to the United Arab Emirates.
The transfer of the 12 Yemeni nationals and three Afghans on August 15 was the largest single release of Guantanamo prisoners since U.S. President Barack Obama took office on a promise to close the controversial facility.
The State Department special envoy for the closure of the Guantanamo detention center, Lee Wolosky, expressed U.S. gratitude to the U.A.E. for accepting the released prisoners.
"The continued operation of the detention facility weakens our national security by draining resources, damaging our relationships with key allies and partners, and emboldening violent extremists," Wolosky said.
The Pentagon says there are still 61 detainees at Guantanamo. The detention center was opened in 2002 under U.S President George W. Bush to hold people suspected of links to the Taliban or Al-Qaeda.
Based on reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
