Ahmed Belbacha Transferred from GTMO to Algeria

The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Ahmed Belbacha from the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay to the Government of Algeria. As directed by the President's Jan. 22, 2009, Executive Order, the interagency Guantánamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of this case. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, Belbacha was designated for transfer by unanimous consent among the six departments and agencies comprising the task force. In accordance with congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer this individual. The United States is grateful to the Government of Algeria for its willingness to support ongoing U.S. efforts to close the Guantánamo Bay detention facility. The United States coordinated with the Government of Algeria to ensure this transfer took place with appropriate security and humane treatment assurances. Today, 154 detainees remain at Guantánamo Bay.