Context of 'September 18, 2004: 35 Guantanamo Detainees Transferred to Pakistan; 550 Remain in Cuba'

More than 140 suspected Taliban and al-Qaeda members are transferred to an alleged US detention center in Kohat, Pakistan. According to one report, the Pakistani army is responsible for maintaining the external security of the prison, while US officials are responsible for security inside. As at Bagram, US officials interrogate prisoners in order to determine who should be transferred to Guantanamo Bay. According to Javed Ibrahim Paracha of the Pakistan Muslim League-N party, prisoners at Kohat are shackled and dressed only in shorts. Detainees are transferred in military planes only under the cover of night. [First, 6/2004 ]

Twenty detainees are transferred from Guantanamo to their home countries. Whether they are to be released upon arrival or to remain in detention in these countries is not revealed. [US Department of Defense, 11/24/2003] Two days later, about 20 new detainees arrive. The total number of detainees at Guantanamo now stands at approximately 660. Little information about the identities and home countries of the detainees is released to the public. [US Department of Defense, 11/24/2003]

The Pentagon announces the transfer of 35 prisoners from Guantanamo to Pakistan, 29 of whom will remain in detention under the control of the Pakistani government. The remaining six will be released. The total number of detainees at Guantanamo is now “approximately 550.” [US Department of Defense, 9/18/2004]

The Pentagon announces that 11 detainees have been transferred from Guantanamo to Afghanistan, [US Department of Defense, 9/22/2004] while 11 detainees have been brought from Afghanistan to Guantanamo. The total number of inmates at Guantanamo is reported to be 549. [US Department of Defense, 9/22/2004]