The Biden administration has transferred 11 Yemeni detainees, including two former bodyguards of Osama bin Laden, from Guantánamo Bay to Oman. The move aims to reduce the detainee population at the naval base and close the controversial facility.

The detainees, held for over two decades without charges or trials, were captured after the 9/11 attacks. The secret operation took place early Monday morning. Oman agreed to resettle the men, supporting U.S. efforts to wind down the prison.

The Defense Department thanked Oman and other partners for their help. The transfer had faced delays, with lawmakers opposing it in October 2023. After three years of planning, it is now complete.

This leaves 15 detainees at Guantánamo Bay. Among them are six never charged, two convicted inmates, and seven awaiting trial for major attacks, including 9/11 and the USS Cole bombing.

Most remaining detainees are from Yemen. The war-torn country is controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, complicating repatriation.

The transfer highlights Biden’s push to close Guantánamo. The facility has faced criticism for indefinite detentions and lack of trials. Political and logistical challenges, however, remain.