The U.S. has repatriated Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia, marking the fourth prisoner released from Guantánamo Bay this month. Currently, 26 detainees remain at the facility, down from a peak of about 800. Al-Yazidi was cleared for transfer after a thorough review process, as the Biden administration continues to face pressure to close the facility.

On Monday, the Pentagon announced the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia, marking the fourth prisoner transfer from Guantánamo Bay in October. Al-Yazidi, who had been detained since the facility’s opening on January 11, 2002, underwent a “rigorous interagency review process” prior to his release. This transfer leaves 26 detainees currently held at the facility, down from a peak of approximately 800 inmates. Although President Biden had vowed to close Guantánamo, the detention center remains operational, with many detainees still awaiting resolution of their cases.

Guantánamo Bay detention facility was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks as part of the U.S. government’s initiative to combat terrorism. The facility, run by the U.S. Navy, has faced considerable scrutiny over the years due to allegations of human rights violations and torture. Despite previous administration commitments to closure, the facility continues to house a number of detainees, with the current population of 26 representing a significant decrease since its inception.

In conclusion, the recent release of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi underscores the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce the detainee population at Guantánamo Bay, despite the facility’s contentious history and persistent calls for its closure. With a remaining count of 26 detainees, many of whom are eligible for transfer, the situation at Guantánamo Bay continues to evolve within the broader context of U.S. counterterrorism policies and human rights considerations.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com