Asia-Pacific

US to send 6 Guantanamo detainees to Yemen: report

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-12-18 15:15

WASHINGTON: The United States plans to transfer six Yemenis held at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba back to their home country in coming days, a move that could lead to repatriating dozens more, The Washington Post reported in its Friday edition.

The newspaper, citing unnamed sources, said the release follows high-level meetings between officials of the two countries, including a visit by CIA Deputy Director Stephen Kappes to Yemen. The CIA declined to comment to the newspaper.

Yemenis are the biggest group held at the controversial prison with 97 of the 210 prisoners from that country.

Critics say releasing prisoners to Yemen will pose a security threat to the United States because of doubts the Yemenis will be able to effectively monitor them.

"I believe they will be involved in terrorism that will cost American lives," Republican Congressman Frank Wolf told the newspaper.

President Barack Obama wants to close Guantanamo Bay, which has been harshly criticized by human rights groups since it was built by the administration of former President George W. Bush after the September 11 attacks.