The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of a Spanish-national detainee from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for continued detention by the Spanish Government.

            Senior leadership of the Department of Defense, in consultation with other senior U.S. government officials, determined that this detainee no longer required detention by the United States.

            Transfer or release of detainees can be based on many factors. The detainee assessment process is ongoing. The department is constantly reviewing the detention of detainees based on various factors, including whether an individual would pose a threat to the United States, if an individual is of further intelligence value, and whether an individual is going to be tried by the U.S. government for any crimes. Each factor is carefully considered before a release or transfer may occur.

            During the course of the War on Terrorism, the department expects that there will be other transfers or releases of detainees.

            Because of operational security considerations, no further details are available.