Gitmo Detainee Transfer Announced by DOD

The Department of Defense announced this week the transfer of Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al Darbi from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, military installation to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the Pentagon.

In a February 2014 plea, al Darbi pled guilty at a military commission to terrorism as part of al-Qaida. Now, having complied with the terms of conviction agreement, al Darbi will serve out the balance of his 13-year prison sentence in Saudi Arabia. He also waived his right to appeal the judge’s ruling.

In accordance with statutory requirements, the Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis informed members of the U.S. Congress of the United States’ intent to transfer this individual and of the secretary’s determination that this transfer met the statutory standard. The last announcement of a Guantanamo detainee transfer took place Jan. 19, 2017.

The United States coordinated with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure the transfer took place in accordance with established standards for security and humane treatment.

This latest prisoner transfer leaves only 40 detainees still being held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center.