Detainee Transfer Announced
Oct. 30, 2015

The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Shaker Aamer from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of the United Kingdom.

As directed by the Presidential executive order, an interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of this case. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, Aamer was unanimously approved for transfer by the six departments and agencies comprising the task force.

In accordance with statutory requirements, the secretary of defense informed Congress of the United States’ intent to transfer this individual and of his determination that this transfer meets the statutory standard.

The United States is grateful to the Government of the United Kingdom for its willingness to support ongoing U.S. efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The United States coordinated with the Government of the United Kingdom to ensure this transfer took place consistent with appropriate security and humane treatment measures.

Today, 112 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay.