Enemy Combatant Taken Into Custody
June 23, 2003

Department of Defense today took control of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri after the President designated him to be an enemy combatant. Ali-Marri was tranferred to the Naval Consolidated Brig, in Charleston, South Carolina, where he will be detained.

This action was taken due to recent credible information provided by other detainees in the War on Terrorism.

Enemy combatant status may be used to describe an individual who, under the laws and customs of war, has become a member of or associated himself with hostile enemy forces, thereby attaining the status of a belligerent.

For media, the Defense Department press office contact is Cmdr. Chris Isleib, at (703) 697-5131.