Pentagon transfers two Guantanamo Bay detainees to Algeria

The Pentagon announced the transfer of two Guantanamo Bay detainees, Nabil Said Hadjarab and Mutia Sadiq Ahmad Sayyab, to Algeria.

The transfers were a result of a review directed by President Obama’s Jan. 22, 2009, executive order by the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force.

As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, the men were approved for transfer by consensus of the six departments and agencies comprising the task force, according to a Pentagon statement.

“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 United States coordinated with the Government of Algeria to ensure these transfers took place consistent with appropriate security and humane treatment measures,” the Pentagon statement said.

There are 164 remaining detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the Pentagon said.