U.S. State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher announced on October 11 that the United States had transferred Yaser Esam Hamdi to Saudi Arabia.

Hamdi, born in the United States to Saudi parents, had been detained for almost three years since being captured on a battlefield in Afghanistan during the U.S.-led fight against the Taliban regime.

The text of the State Department statement follows:

Department of State
Press release, October 11, 2004

Office of the Spokesman
Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman

Transfer of Yaser Esam Hamdi to Saudi Arabia

The United States has transferred Saudi Yaser Esam Hamdi from United States detention at the Charleston Naval Brig in South Carolina to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Hamdi arrived in Saudi Arabia on October 11, 2004. The United States appreciates the cooperation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in facilitating this transfer.