Tensions Grow at Gitmo Following Violent Clash
Published at
John Moore/Getty Images(GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba) — The U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was the scene of a violent disturbance Saturday between guards and detainees.
A Guantanamo spokesman said that while detainees were being moved to individual cells, some attacked guards with what were described as “improvised weapons.” To quell the clash, the spokesman said guards responded by firing “four less-than-lethal rounds.”
Although no serious injuries were reported, the clash underscores the growing tension at Gitmo, which currently houses 166 individuals, all of whom were captured overseas.
Since February, the detainees have staged a hunger strike to protest what they feel are deteriorating conditions at the facility and guards searching for Qurans, the Islamic holy book.
One attorney for the inmates said the prevailing feeling among the detainees at the detention center is that they could remain there indefinitely and death may be the only way to leave the camp.
In some instances, the U.S. has tried to send detainees back to their home countries, only to be rebuffed by governments who want no part of the terrorist suspects.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio