US sends 9 Yemeni Guantanamo prisoners to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. has transferred nine Yemeni inmates from Guantanamo Bay prison to Saudi Arabia just a few days before the American president’s visit to the oil-rich gulf state, Pentagon announced late Saturday.

The detainees were sent after they were examined for a number of factors consistent with appropriate security and humane treatment measures, according to a written statement.

“The United States is grateful to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian gesture and willingness to support ongoing U.S. efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility,” it said.

With the recent transfers, the number of detainees at Guantanamo Bay has decreased to 80.

Saturday’s transfer included Tariq Ali Abdullah Ahmed Ba Odah, who had been held since 2002.

Ba Odah began a prolonged hunger strike in 2007, which reduced his weight down to 34 kilograms (74.9 pounds). Eventually, he was subjected to forced feeding at the notorious prison.

Guantanamo Bay prison was built right after the U.S. had invaded Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks in America in 2001. The first terrorism suspects were detained and brought to the prison on Jan. 11, 2002, under order of the then U.S. President, George W. Bush.

Since President Barack Obama took office in 2008, one of his promises to the Americans was to shut down the prison. However, mainly due to the Republican opposition at the U.S. Congress, this goal of Obama, who is set to leave the White House in early 2017, remains unaccomplished.