JEDDAH: Three Saudi Guantanamo detainees arrived here yesterday morning after being released from the US-run detention center in Cuba. The trio brought the number of Saudi nationals released from the facility to 120 from a total of 130 Saudis held there since the controversial prison camp was established in southeastern Cuba in 2002.
The three inmates were identified as Khaled Saad Mohammed Al-Saif, Abdulaziz Kareem Al-Elee and Ahmed Zaid Salim Zuhair. “The inmates’ families were informed and visitation arrangements have been made,” said Interior Ministry spokesman Gen. Mansour Al-Turki.
The inmates will be subjected to a judicial review before they undergo a rehabilitation program. Al-Turki said the Saudi government would continue all possible efforts to repatriate the remaining Saudi nationals held in Guantanamo despite the difficulties the government has faced as a result of some repatriated detainees fleeing the Kingdom to rejoin militant groups elsewhere.
“Other former Guantanamo inmates were picked up by security forces ... and are currently in Saudi custody,” said a source who wished to remain anonymous.
“Unlawful acts by some of the former detainees previously released have affected Saudi Arabia’s efforts in convincing the other side (the US) to release the remaining Saudi inmates in Guantanamo,” said Al-Turki.
“Despite that, we will continue all possible efforts to repatriate the rest of the detainees,” he said. He also expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation and satisfaction at the level of cooperation displayed by the US in the matter.
The Wall Street Journal reported recently the US authorities are reportedly nearing a deal that would see many of the more than 100 Yemenis held at Guantanamo sent to Saudi Arabia. But Saudi officials at the ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs did not comment on the report.
