Following more than two decades of detention, the United States has officially transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to Oman. This move, announced by the Pentagon, represents a significant step by the Biden administration as it seeks to reduce the lingering detainee population in the final weeks of its term.

With this transfer, the number of detainees still held at Guantanamo has decreased to 15, the lowest figure since 2002. Guantanamo became notorious in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks as part of the US-led "war on terror," which saw inmates held without charge. Shaqawi al Hajj, one of the transferees, had endured extensive periods of hunger strikes and hospitalization while in custody.

The Center for Constitutional Rights has reported that al Hajj faced torture during the initial stage of his detention before being held at Guantanamo. Rights groups have consistently pressured US administrations to close the facility or release those detained without charges.

This transfer highlights the challenges remaining for the US government, which is tasked with finding appropriate countries for the remaining detainees, many of whom originate from Yemen. The success of similar initiatives from previous administrations remains uncertain, especially given Yemen's ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues.

Oman's role in accepting these detainees is noteworthy, as it has previously hosted approximately 30 past Guantanamo detainees. However, details surrounding the accommodations and future of these individuals once transferred remain largely undocumented. Activists have raised concerns over the treatment of those held by the Omani government following their release.

As of now, six detainees remain at Guantanamo without charges, while others have faced convictions related to terrorism. The Pentagon's recent actions reflect a continual shift in the US's long-standing detention policies, despite facing rigorous scrutiny from international human rights organizations.

For further details, refer to the full report by the Associated Press and coverage by Los Angeles Times.