August 29 (RAPSI) – The US Department of Defense (DOD) announced the transfer Thursday of two Guantanamo Bay detainees two Algeria.

An Executive Order issued by US President Barrack Obama shortly after he took office on January 22, 2009 ordered the closure of the US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and likewise ordered – among other things – the immediate review of all Guantanamo detainees in order to determine the appropriate disposition of individuals detained there.

According to the release issued by the DOD Thursday, “As directed by the President's Jan. 22, 2009, executive order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of this case. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, these men were approved for transfer by consensus of the six departments and agencies comprising the task force. In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer these individuals.”

The Miami Herald identified the two detainees as Nabil Hadjarab, 34, and Motai Sayab, 37. Both men were reportedly among the first detainees to arrive in the facility in 2002.