The US Department of Defense announced Monday the transfer of the Biden administration’s first detainee out of the US military prison in Guantánamo Bay. Abdul Latif Nasir was repatriated to his native country of Morocco after being recommended for discharge from the prison in 2016 but nevertheless remained at Guantánamo Bay during the Trump presidency.

In 2016, the Periodic Review Board process determined that the law of war detention meant Nasir was “no longer needed to protect against a continuing significant threat to the national security of the United States.” However, despite the Board making this recommendation, “the steps necessary to effectuate the repatriation were unable to be completed prior to the end of the Obama administration,” the US Department of Defense stated in the announcement.

The US Department of Defense also thanked Morocco for facilitating Nasser’s transfer. “The United States commends the Kingdom of Morocco for its long-time partnership in securing both countries’ national security interests. The United States is also extremely grateful for the Kingdom’s willingness to support ongoing US efforts to close the Guantanamo Day Detention Facility.”

As of today, 39 detainees remain at Guantánamo Bay.