The Pentagon has transferred nine Guantánamo prisoners to Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of remaining prisoners down to 80. One of the nine men who were released was Tariq Ba Odah, who has been on hunger strike to demand his freedom since 2007. During his hunger strike, his weight dropped to only 74 pounds, and he was repeatedly force-fed by Guantánamo guards. After the nine men landed in Saudi Arabia, one of the former Guantánamo prisoners spoke out.

Former Guantánamo prisoner: “As soon as the plane landed, I didn’t feel I was at an airport. I felt at home, thank God. It’s as if I arrived at my home amidst my family. Thank God. From the first hours we arrived, we’ve been received in a way we couldn’t imagine. I thank all those who wanted to make this happen.”