`` This repatriation reflects the Defense Department 's continued commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo in a responsible manner , '' said Paul Lewis , the Pentagon 's special envoy for the closure of Guantanamo . Spokesman : A U.S. Air Force C-17 flew the ex-detainees to Afghanistan . The former Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba was closed by President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009, and transferred to a military base at Naval Station Guantanamo. Gitmo , U.S. envoy says . Afghanistan will help `` reintegrate these former detainees , '' U.S. embassy says . Guantanamo Bay has held nearly 800 detainees ; there are now 132 .
Spokesman : A U.S. Air Force C-17 flew the ex-detainees to Afghanistan . The former Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba was closed by President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009, and transferred to a military base at Naval Station Guantanamo. Gitmo , U.S. envoy says . Afghanistan will help `` reintegrate these former detainees , '' U.S. embassy says . Guantanamo Bay has held nearly 800 detainees ; there are now 132 .