US preparing to transfer first high-value Guantanamo detainee

WASHINGTON

The first high-level detainee at the controversial US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has been cleared for transfer with security guarantees, according to a recently published report.

The Periodic Review Board at Guantanamo Bay has recommended that Guled Duran, a Somali national who has been held without charge at the facility since he was taken there by the CIA in 2006, be released, the New York Times reported Monday. But it is unlikely that Duran will be leaving the facility any time soon.

Duran is one of 39 detainees who remain at Guantanamo Bay and now joins either 13 or 14 others who have been cleared for release, according to the Times.

US President Joe Biden has transferred one inmate at the prison in the one year he has been in office.

The Moroccan national was originally cleared for transfer under former President Barack Obama but the process stalled during the Trump administration before the man was released in July.

A location for Duran's transfer has yet to be established but a document dated Nov. 10, obtained by the Times, maintained "vigorous efforts will be undertaken to identify a suitable transfer location," which will be "outside the United States, subject to appropriate security and human treatment assurances.”

Duran's lawyer, Shayana Kadidal, told the newspaper that he was informed of the decision after his client was notified early Monday.

Duran lived in Sweden as a refugee during his teen years and reportedly has relatives in Canada.

Another detainee, Moath al-Alwi, has also been approved for transfer, according to a Facebook post from his sister. His lawyer declined to comment.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the statuses of Duran or al-Awli's.