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11 Freed From Gitmo Disappear Into Terror Network

Saudi Arabia admits former detainees may be with al-Qaeda

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 4, 2009 4:49 AM CST

(Newser) – Eleven Saudi nationals who were released from detention at Guantanamo Bay have likely rejoined terrorist groups, the Saudi government said yesterday. The prisoners participated in a rehabilitation program after returning to Saudi Arabia, but all of them have fled the country—probably to Yemen or Iran. The situation underscores President Obama's difficult task in closing Guantanamo and complicates the question of what to do with the remaining detainees, reports the New York Times.

Until yesterday, the Saudi rehabilitation program for Gitmo detainees had been widely praised. It had been proposed as a model for Yemen, home of about half of the remaining Guantanamo detainees, where a weak government and tribal culture have made counter-terrorism efforts difficult. The Yemeni branch of al-Qaeda has recently merged with the Saudi branch, and has threatened terrorist actions in the Middle East and Africa.

A detainee is escorted by US military guards to be interrogated at the detention facility Camp X-Ray on Guantanamo Bay.
A detainee is escorted by US military guards to be interrogated at the detention facility Camp X-Ray on Guantanamo Bay.   (AP Photo/Andres Leighton, File)
A detainee peers from his cell in the Camp Delta detention facility on Guantanamo Bay.
A detainee peers from his cell in the Camp Delta detention facility on Guantanamo Bay.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)
Detainees wearing orange jump suits sit in a holding area as military police patrol during processing at Guantanamo Bay.
Detainees wearing orange jump suits sit in a holding area as military police patrol during processing at Guantanamo Bay.   (AP Photo/U.S. Navy, Shane T.McCoy, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Guest
Feb 4, 2009 5:45 AM CST
Thanks Barry!
Shannonals
Feb 4, 2009 2:58 AM CST
Nice try ryan, but you didn't read the complete article
Guest
Feb 4, 2009 1:23 AM CST
Uh oh, your move O.

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