Transfer of Detainees Completed
NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense
No. 311-03 (703)697-5131(media) IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2003 (703)428-0711(public/industry)
TRANSFER OF DETAINEES COMPLETED
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.
[Web version: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/May2003/b05092003_bt311-03.html]