15 inmates relocated to UAE in largest Guantanamo transfer

U.S. officials said on Monday that 15 inmates from the Guantanamo prison in Cuba were transferred to the United Arab Emirates, in the single largest transfer of Guantanamo detainees during President Barack Obama's administration.

The transfer of the 12 Yemeni and three Afghan citizens brings the total number of detainees in Guantanamo down to 61. Most have been held without charge or trial for more than a decade, drawing international condemnation.

Obama had hoped to close the prison during his first year in office, justifying his intentions by saying the prision is contrary to US values, serves to recruit jihadists and is expensive to run. However, he still faces opposition from many Republican lawmakers as well as some fellow Democrats.