The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Said bin Brahim bin Umran Bakush (ISN 685) from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Algeria.
On April 13, 2022, the Periodic Review Board (PRB) process determined that continued law of war detention of Said bin Brahim bin Umran Bakush (ISN 685) was no longer necessary to protect against a continuing significant threat to the national security of the United States. The PRB recommended that Said bin Brahim bin Umran Bakush (ISN 685) be transferred subject to the implementation of a comprehensive set of security measures including monitoring, travel restrictions and continued information sharing.
On February 21, 2023, Secretary of Defense Austin notified Congress of his intent to repatriate Bakush to Algeria, and, in consultation with our partners in Algeria, we completed the requirements for responsible transfer.
The United States appreciates the willingness of the Government of Algeria, and other partners to support ongoing U.S. efforts toward a deliberate and thorough process focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.
The PRB process was established by the President's March 7, 2011, Executive Order 13567. It is consistent with section 1023 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2012 and affirmed in Executive Order 13823 (January 30, 2018).
The PRB panel consists of one senior career official each from the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and State, along with the Joint Staff and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Today, 30 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay: 16 are eligible for transfer; 3 are eligible for a Periodic Review Board; 9 are involved in the military commissions process; and 2 detainees have been convicted in military commissions.