Ayotte Statement Regarding Release of Guantanamo Detainees to Oman

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed deep concern regarding the Obama administration's midnight announcement that it has transferred six Guantanamo Bay detainees to Oman, which shares a border with Yemen. According to public reports, one or both of the brothers who carried out the January Paris terrorist attack travelled from Oman to Yemen to receive training from the al Qaeda affiliate in Yemen.

"It's extremely troubling that the Obama administration has sent six dangerous terrorists to Oman, which borders Yemen-a country engulfed in civil war and that serves as the headquarters for al Qaeda's most dangerous affiliate. Even more disturbing is the fact that the administration has not provided sufficient assurances to Congress or to the public that these terrorists will not return to the battlefield. If they are not securely detained, no one should be surprised if they travel to Yemen and re-engage in terrorist activities.

"The administration should be honest with the American people regarding the detainees' terrorist affiliations and activities and about what steps are being taken to prevent their return to terrorism. That's why I worked to include a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act currently being considered by the Senate that would require greater transparency regarding the detainees who remain at Guantanamo."

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