DOD Announces Transfer of 2 Guantanamo Detainees

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2013 - The Department of Defense today announced the transfer of Djamel Saiid Ali Ameziane and Bensayah Belkecem from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the government of Algeria, according to a DOD news release. As directed by the president's Jan. 22, 2009, executive order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of these cases, according to the release. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, these men were designated for transfer by consensus of the six departments and agencies comprising the task force, the release said. In accordance with congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer these individuals, according to the release. The United States is grateful to the government of Algeria for its willingness to support ongoing U.S. efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, the release said. The United States coordinated with the government of Algeria to ensure these transfers took place with appropriate security and humane treatment assurances, the release said. Today, 162 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay, according to the release.