Obama Administration Begins Sending Guantanamo Detainees To Other Countries, Al Qaeda Suspects Transfer To Ghana
On Wednesday, the United States announced the transfer of two Yemeni prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to Ghana after nearly 14 years of incarceration, The New York Times reported. This transfer represented the beginning of more departures from the dreaded detention camp this year.
The two identified Yemeni individuals were Khalid Mohammed Salih al-Dhuby and Mahmmoud Omar Mohammed Bin Atef. Both men were captured by Afghanistan forces in 2001 and were turned over to the custody of the United States government because of their suspected ties to Al Qaeda. Dhuby was known to be trained by Al Qaeda in Afghanistan while the Atef was an admitted member of the Taliban group.
"The United States is grateful to the Government of Ghana for its humanitarian gesture and willingness to support ongoing U.S. efforts to close the Guantánamo Bay detention facility," said Pentagon spokesperson Commander Gary Ross.
Bin Atef's lawyer, George Clarke, said that his client is a "friendly, nice guy" who possess a positive attitude. He further said that Mr. Bin Atif is happy and appreciative of the idea that the "Ghanians are taking him."
Similarly, the United States Department of Defense also announced the transfer of Faez Mohammed Ahmed al Kandari, who was known to be the spiritual adviser of Osama Bin Laden, Yahoo News reported Saturday.
Kandari, who had been imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay for 13 years, was transferred to Kuwait on Friday.
These transfers are strong manifestations that the Obama administration is working on its pledge to close the prison despite the huge disapproval of the Republican-controlled Congress.
"I think we can all quibble on whether 13 or 12 or eight years in detention is enough to have them pay for whatever they did, but they're bad guys," said John F. Kelly, Commander General of the United States Southern Command. He added that if these individuals "go back to the fight," they would "probably kill them."
DNA India's Saturday report mentioned that the transfer of prisoners is determined by a board established by President Obama for such purpose in 2011. Should the body approve a transfer, the government will search for countries that are willing to take them and make the necessary security arrangements.
