UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
28 MARCH 2016 GUANTANAMO DETAINEE PROFILE
Detainee ISN: SA- 1456
Detainee ISN SA- 1456
Detainee Name Hasan Muhammad Salih bin Attash
Detainee Aliases Umayr; Umayr al-Gharib ; Mughayrah; Hasan al - Dini
Nationality Saudi or Yemeni
Date of Birth 1982
Arrival at Guantanamo September2004 HasanbinAttash(SA-1456 servedas a facilitatorand explosivesspecialist for al- inthe early 2000s.He grew up immersedinviolentextremist ideology, comingfrom a family closelyassociatedwithUsamabinLadin. SA-1456was an aidto several senioral- members, helpingrunsafehouses, facilitatethe movementof fighters, and completeerrands. He also supportednumerousplotsagainstUS and other Westerntargets in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the MiddleEast NorthAfrica. He was skilledin bombmakingandcontributedto al explosivesactivities and capabilities.
SA-1456'sextremist activitybeganinAfghanistanin 1997, whenhe pledgedallegianceto UsamabinLadin. He participatedin basic andadvancedmilitaryandexplosivestrainingprobablyincludingpoisonstraining briefly supportedthe frontlines, and servedas a bodyguardfor bin Ladin. In2000, he relocatedto Pakistantofacilitate logisticsand travelfor al- whichhe continueddoingintermittentlyfor abouttwo years. He also facilitated al- externaloperationsagainst US and other Westerntargets, andwas himselfselectedto participateintwo suchplannedattacks. Concurrently, in 2002, SA- 1456 built,procured, anddeliveredexplosivesfor al- in supportofanti-coalitionattacks inAfghanistan. SA- 1456was arrested inan al- safehousewithsenior al operativeand9/11operationalcoordinatorRamzibinal-Shibh (YM- 10013) in September2002.
Up until2013, SA- 1456 was non-compliantand hostile with the guardstaff at Guantanamo. InAugust 2013, he became highlycompliant, likelyto improvehis chancesfor release. Nonetheless, he continuesto harboran extremistmindsetand has madestatementswhich indicatethat he believeswesternersare his enemies and that he remainsintenton reengagingafter detention. SA- 1456has associatedor correspondedwith severalat-large terrorists, includingformer Guantanamodetainees.
SA- 1456has expresseda desireto participatein SaudiArabia'sextremistrehabilitationprogram , rejoinfamily, marry, and start a family ofhis own. SA-1456'sfamily inJeddah, Saudi Arabia, is unlikelyto helphimtransition to a peacefullife becausethey supportviolentextremismandbecausethey lack the financialresourcesto provide significantaid to himbeyondhousinghim. SA- 1456probably could leveragefamily ties and terrorist contacts shouldhe decide to reengageinterrorist activity after his transfer.
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
PERIODIC REVIEW BOARD FILE REVIEW , 08 SEP 2016 HASSAN MUHAMMAD ALI BIN , 1456 PERSONALREPRESENTATIVESTATEMENT
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen ofthe board . We are the Personal Representatives for ISN 1456. Thank you for the opportunity to present Mr. Hassan Muhammad Bin Attash's . Mr. Hassan has continued to participate in the process and has been very understanding with the constant date changes by his PRs and his PC.
From our first encounter and all subsequent meetings, Hassan has been very engaged, fervent, and understanding in the preparation of his Periodic Review Board. From the onset, Hassan has demonstrated an optimistic outlook towards life after Guantanamo Bay. He is currently working on his U.S. High School GED with a goal of completing it this fall He is fluent in English, Arabic , Pashtu, and speaks some Urdu and Persian. Upon his transfer from Guantanamo, he has a strong desire to attend college and work as a translator in order to provide for himself and for a future spouse. Since 2013 , Hassan has been very compliant with few disciplinary infractions. As a block leader, he was commended by the Officer in Charge for solving daily routine issues within the camp.
Hassan arrived at Guantanamo at a very young age. During this time, he has been very open to learning western culture and the English language. Most ofall, he is interested in furthering his education and has demonstrated a willingness to absorb new ideas no matter which culture it may be. During his time at Guantanamo, he has attended Art, English, Computer Life Skills, and History classes.
Hassan would prefer to return to Saudi Arabia where his parents and siblings are located . He is more than willing to participate in the Saudi Arabia rehabilitation program but is also open to transfer to any country that is willing to accept himwhere security measures can be met. Since nearly halfof the Saudi Arabian working population is foreign born, Hassan believes his language skills along with his strong desire to meet new people from diverse backgrounds will serve him well in a linguist/translator career . He would like to become certified in this career field in order to obtain work and provide for his future family.
Thank you for your time and attention. We are pleased to answer any questions you may have throughout this proceeding.
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
PERIODIC REVIEWBOARD , 08 SEP 2016 HASSANMUHAMMADALI BIN ISN1456 PRIVATE COUNSEL STATEMENT
Goodmorning. I DavidRemes, privatecounselfor Hassanbin Attash (ISN 1456), a
Yemeni national born in Saudi Arabia . I have represented Hassan in his habeas corpus case for
eleven years this August. I have seen him countless times and believe that I know him well.
Hassan is the youngest Guantanamo detainee. He left home when he was about
thirteen, was capturedin September2002, when he was aboutseventeen, andwas broughtto
Guantanamo in December 2004, when he was about nineteen. Hassan is now about thirty - one.
He has spent his entire adult life inGuantanamo. I havewatched himgrowintoadulthood. At
all times, I found him to be more sensible and level- headed than many others his age.
Hassanis engaging. He has a quickwit and reads peoplewell. makea point of seeing
him on everyvisit. He is very friendly, and I consider him a friend. Ifcircumstancesallowed, I
would have him as a guest in my home. Hassan also has a strong sense of right and wrong. Now
a young man, with a mind of his own, he is no longer under the sway of others and can make
independent decisions. I have never heard him deprecate the American people or American
values , or express extremist views .
Hassan at Guantanamo with only an elementary school education. He did not
know Englishwhen I first met him; now he is fluent, and his English is unaccented. His goal of
becoming an Arabic-English translator is certainly realistic . Hassan has a thirst for knowledge generally and has taken advantage of all available educational opportunities here. He has an
insatiable appetite for news about current events. When the prison still made such publications
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
the New York Times and the Washington Post available to detainees , Hassan devoured them.
He assiduouslywatches English- languagenews channels. CloselyfollowingGuantanamo-related developments in Washington, he has developed a sophisticated understanding of the way our
politicalsystemworks, andthe vagariesof American politics.
Thope that the Boardconcludes, as I have, that Hassanis nothreat to the security ofthe
UnitedStates. Heshouldbe transferredto the reintegrationcenter in Saudi Arabia and prepared for a new life in the outside world . The Board should approve him for transfer.
Respectfully,
David Remes
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
CA : This Periodic Review Board is being conducted at 0901 hours on 8 September 2016 , with regard to the following detainee Hassan Muhammad Ali bin Attash , ISN 1456
As a reminder, the unclassified portions of these proceedings are being recorded for the purpose of generating a transcript to be posted on the PRS website .
TRANS : TRANSLATION OF ABOVE )
CA : Representatives from the following agencies are present and are members of the Board :
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE;
DEPARTMENT OF STATE ;
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ;
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE; AND
OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF .
The following personnel are also present :
LEGAL ADVISOR TO THE BOARD ;
CASE ADMINISTRATORS;
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ;
PRIVATE COUNSEL
TWO TRANSLATORS ;
1
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
THE DETAINEE ; AND
SECURITY OFFICER .
TRANS 1 : [ TRANSLATION OF ABOVE
CA : The detainee's Personal Representatives, Private
Counsel, the detainee, and one translator are located at
detention facility, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
They are attending via video teleconference and the detainee
waived translation of the unclassified summary , and Personal
Representatives' and Private Counsel's opening statements .
These documents have been posted to the Periodic Review
Secretariatwebsite. This session is being observed by foreign, national, and local media, and representatives from non governmental organizations .
TRANS 1 : [ TRANSLATION ABOVE
PM : Good morning . This Board is convened to determine whether continued law of war detention is warranted for Hassan
Muhammad Ali bin Attash, ISN 1456, to protect against a continuing significant threat to the security of the United
States From here forward, we'll refer to the detainee as
Hassan . This session...
TRANS : BEGINS TRANSLATION
2
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approvedfor Public Release
PM : I'm sorry this session of the hearing is
unclassified .
TRANS 1 : TRANSLATION OF ABOVE
PM : Hassan, this is your Periodic Review Board to
determine whether continued of war detention is warranted in
your case. Continued law of war detention will be warranted if
necessary to protect against a si continuing significant
threat to the national security of the United States . The focus
of this hearing is on the threat you may pose to the United
States and its interests , if transferred or released from
custody It is not on the lawfulness of your detention.
TRANS 1 : ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE
PM The Personal Representatives and Private Counsel are your representatives to assist you during this process.
Finally , the translators ensure that everyone understands your statements and that you understand what is being said during the hearing
TRANS 1 ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVEI
PM : Personal Representatives and Private Counsel , has
Hassan had an opportunity to review the unclassified summary ?
TRANS 1 : ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE ) ...
PR : Yes he has, Ma'am.
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
PM Thank you . I'llread the unclassified summary:
Hassan Muhammad Ali bin Attash , ISN 1456, served as a
facilitator and explosives specialist for al- Qaeda in the early
2000s. He grew up immersed in violent extremist ideology ,
coming from a family closely associated with Usama bin Ladin.
Hassan was an aid to several senior al- Qaeda members, helping
run safe houses , facilitating the movement of fighters , and
completing errands. He also supported numerous plots against
the United States and other Western targets in Afghanistan,
Pakistan, the Middle East, and North Africa. He was skilledin bomb making and contributed to al-Qaeda's explosive... ax...
explosives activities and capabilities.
Hassan's extremist activity began in Afghanistan in 1997, when he pledged allegiance to Usama bin Ladin. He participated
in basic and advanced military and explosives training, probably including poisons training, briefly supported the frontlines, and served as a bodyguard for bin Ladin . In 2000 , he relocated to Pakistan to facilitate logistics and travel for al-Qaeda, which he continued doing intermittently for about two years . He also facilitated al- Qaeda external operations against the U.S. and other Western targets , and was himself selected to participate in two such planned attacks . Concurrently, in 2002,
4
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
Hassan built, procured, and delivered explosives for al-Qaeda in
support of anti- coalition attacks in Afghanistan . Hassan was
arrested in an al- Qaeda safe house with senior al- Qaeda operatives and 9/11 operational coordinator Ramzi bin al- Shibh ,
ISN 10013, in September 2002.
Up until 2013 , Hassan was non - compliant and hostile with the guard staff at Guantanamo. In August 2013 , he became highly compliant, likely to improve his chances for release.
Nonetheless, he continues to harbor an extremist mindset and has made statements which indicate he believes westerners are his enemies and that he remains intent on reengaging after detention. Hassan has associated or corresponded with several at - large terrorists , including former Guantanamo detainees .
Hassan has expressed a desire to participate in Saudi
Arabia's extremist rehabilitation program , rejoin family marry , and start a family of his own. Hassan's family in Jeddah , Saudi
Arabia , is unlikely to help him transfit ... transition to a peaceful life because they support violent extremism and because they lack the financial resources to provide significant aid to him beyond housing him. Hassan probably could leverage family ties and terrorist contacts sh ... to reengage should he decide to do .
5
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
Do the Personal Representatives and Private Counsel wish to
make unclassified opening statements at this time ?
TRANS 1 : [ TRANSLATION OF ABOVE )
PR 1 Yes, Ma'am.
TRANS 2 : ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE
PM : All right. I'd like to remind all participants that
information shared at this time must be unclassified. If there's a concern about the classificationof information, will indicate as such and stop the proceedings until we resolve the issue. Has Hassan had the opportunity to review your statements?
TRANS 1 ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE )
PR 1 : Yes , Ma'am .
TRANS 2 : ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE
PM : All right. Personal Representative, please proceed.
PR 2 Good morning , ladies and gentlemen of the Board . We are the representatives for ISN 1456 . Thank you for the opportunity to present Mister Hassan Muhammad bin Attash's case .
Mister Hassan has continued to participate in the process and has been very understanding with the constant date changes by his and PC .
6
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
From our first encounter and all subsequent meetings ,
Hassan has been very engaged, fervent , and understanding in the
preparation of his Periodic Review Board . From the onset ,
Hassan has demonstrated an optimistic outlook towards life after
Guantanamo Bay . He is currently working on his School
GED with a goal of completing it this fall. He is fluent in
English Arabic , Pashtu , and speaks some Urdu and Persian . Upon his transfer from Guantanamo, he has a strong desire to attend
college and work as a translator in order to provide for himself and for a future spouse . Since 2013 , Hassan has been very compliant with few disciplinary infractions . As a block leader, he was commended by the Officer in for solving daily routine issues within the camp . Hassan arrived at Guantanamo at a very young age . During this time, he has been very open to learning ern culture and the English language. Most of all , he is interested in furthering his education and has demonstrated a willingness to absorb new ideas no matter which culture it may be . During his time at Guantanamo, he has attended Art , English, Computer, Life
Skills, and classes .
Hassan would prefer to return to Saudi Arabia where his parents and siblings are located. He is more than willing to
7
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
participate in the Saudi Arabian rehabilitationprogram but is
also open to transfer to any country that is willing to accept
him where security measures can be met. Since nearly half of
the Saudi Arabian working population is foreign born, Hassan
believes his language skills along with his strong desire to
meet new people from diverse backgrounds will serve him well in
a linguist/ translator career . He like to become certified
in this career field in order to obtain work and provide for his
future family .
Thank you for your time and attention . We are pleased to answer any questions you may have throughout these proceedings .
PM : Thank you . Private Counsel, you may proceed with your unclassified opening statement .
TRANS 1 : ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE) ...
PC : Yes , Ma'am...
TRANS 1 : [ CONTINUES TRANSLATION
PC: Good morning I'm David Remes, Private Counsel for
Hassan bin Attash , 1456 , a Yemeni national born in Saudi Arabia
I have represented Hassan in his habeas corpus case for years this August . I seen him countless times and I believe I know him well .
8
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
Hassan is the youngest Guantanamo detainee . He left home
when he was about 13 , was captured in to ... September 2002 , when
he was about 17 , and was brought to Guantanamo in December 2004 ,
when he was about 19 . Hassan is now about 31. He has spent his
entire adulthood... adult life in Guantanamo. I have watched him
grow into adulthood. At all times , I found him to be more
sensible and level- headed than many others his age.
Hassan is engaging. He has a quick wit and reads people
well. I make a point of seeing him on every visit . He is very
friendly, and I consider him a friend. If circumstances
allowed , I would have him as a guest in my home. Hassan also
has a strong sense of right and wrong . Now a young man , with a mind of his own , he is no longer under the sway of others and
can make independent decisions . I have never heard him
precate the American people or American values , or express extr... extremist views .
Hassan arrived at Guantanamo with only an elementary education . He did not know English when I first met him ; now he is fluent, and his English is unaccented. His goal of becoming an Arabic- English translator is certainly realistic. Hassan has a thirst for knowledge generally, and has taken advantage of all available educational opportunities here . He has an insatiable
9
Approvedfor Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
appetite for news about current events. When the prison still
made availab ... when the prison still made such publications as
the New York Times and the Washington Post available to
detainees , Hassan devoured hem . He assiduously watches
English - language news channels . followingGuantanamo
related developments in Washington , he has developed a
sophisticated understandingof the way our political system
works , and the vagaries of American politics.
I hope that the Board concludes , as I have, that Hassan is
no threat to the security of the United States. He should be
transferred to the reintegration center in Saudi Arabia and prepared for a new life in the outside world. The Board should approve him for transfer. Thank you.
PM : Thank you . Board may reserve questions until
detainee and witness statements have been presented in their
entirety Does anyone have a question, at this time?
( NON - VERBAL RESPONSE FROM )
TRANS ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE
PM: All right. With no questions , this concludes this portion of the hearing . I'd ask that we all remain seated until further instructed by the Case Administrator .
TRANS 1 : [ TRANSLATION OF ABOVE )
10
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
CA: We will take a 15 -minute recess to prepare for the remaining sessions .
TRANS 1 : ( TRANSLATION OF ABOVE )
[The public session closed at 0915 , 8 September 016.)
[ END OF PAGE )
11
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYM KEY
BM : BOARD MEMBER
CA : CASE ADMINISTRATOR
PC : PRIVATE COUNSEL
PM : PRESIDINGMEMBER
PR 1 : PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ONE
TRANS 1 TRANSLATOR ONE ( LOCATED AT PRS HQ )
TRANS 2 : TRANSLATOR TWO ( LOCATED AT GUANTANAMO BAY )
12
Approved for Public Release UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Public Release
Unclassified Summary of FinalDetermination
Date of Final Determination DetaineeName DetaineeISN
11OCT2016 Hassan Muhammad Ali Bin Attash 1456
The Periodic Review Board, by consensus, determinedthat continuedlaw ofwar detentionof the detainee remains necessaryto protectagainsta continuingsignificant threat to the securityof the United States.
In making this determination , the Board considered the detainee's history with al -Qa'ida , to include serving as an explosives specialist and an aid to several senior al-Qa'ida members, as well as supporting numerous plots against the US and other Western targets in Afghanistan , Pakistan , the Middle East, and North Africa. Additionally , the Board did not find the detainee credible because the detainee denied making any statements threatening guards or expressing his belief that Westerners are his enemies and that he remains intent on reengaging after detention , and the detainee refused to acknowledge that he was affected by his extremist upbringing and indoctrination at an early age. The detainee downplayed his knowledge regarding what was happening during his extensive time in Afghanistan and Pakistan , which is not credible given the significant amount of time he spent in Afghanistan . The Board was unable to assess the detainee's current mindset due to his refusal to be candid in response to numerous lines of questioning .
1
Approvedfor PublicRelease UNCLASSIFIED