TRANSFER OF DETAINEES COMPLETED
May 09, 2003

The Department of Defense announced today that thirteen (13) detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, were transferred for release on May 7, 2003.

Senior leadership of the Department of Defense, in consultation with other senior U.S. government officials, determined that these detainees no longer posed a threat to U.S. security.

Transfer or release of detainees can be based on many factors, including law enforcement, intelligence, medical considerations, as well as whether the individual would pose a threat to the United States. At the time of their detention, these enemy combatants posed a threat to U.S. security.

In general terms, the reasons detainees may be released are based on the nature of the continuing threat they may pose to U.S. security.

As part of this process, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has conducted independent interviews with these detainees prior to their departure from Guantanamo.

During the course of the war on terrorism, we expect that there will be other transfers or releases of detainees. Because of operational security considerations, no further details will be available.