CNN
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Saifullah Paracha, a former detainee on the Guatanamo Bay detention facility, has been repatriated to Pakistan, in response to an announcement from the Department of Defense.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin beforehand notified Congress in September of his intent to repatriate Paracha, who had been held in US detention since 2003 for alleged ties to al Qaeda.
The Defense Department assertion stated that “the United States appreciates the willingness of Pakistan and other partners to support ongoing U.S. efforts focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.”
An announcement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Paracha had arrived within the nation on Saturday, including that the Foreign Ministry “completed an extensive inter-agency process to facilitate the repatriation of Mr. Paracha.”
“We are glad that a Pakistani citizen detained abroad is finally reunited with his family,” the assertion continued.
Thirty-five detainees stay at Guantamo Bay, the Pentagon stated in its assertion Saturday, including that, “20 are eligible for transfer; 3 are eligible for a Periodic Review Board; 9 are involved in the military commissions process; and 3 detainees have been convicted in military commissions.”
