U.S. sends 15 Gitmo detainees to United Arab Emirates

The United States has transferred 15 prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention center to United Arab Emirates, the Pentagon announced Monday. The move was the largest single release of detainees from the facility President Barack Obama has pledged to close. A State Department envoy said the closure of the prison would improve national security by strengthening the United States’ relationships with other nations. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said 5 percent of Guantanamo prisoners released since Obama took office have re-engaged in militant activities and an additional 8 percent are suspected of doing so. That compares with 21 percent confirmed and 14 percent suspected during the Bush administration, when 532 prisoners were released from Guantanamo.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.