U.S. NAVAL BASE GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA — Thirty additional Al-Qaeda and Taliban detainees arrived here today under tight security, bringing the total number of detainees to fifty.

     The detainees arrived via military aircraft and were transported to Camp X-Ray for in-processing and detention.

     "This group of detainees is just as dangerous as the first group that arrived last week. The transfer of custody from Afghanistan to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is all part of the global war on terrorism. Removing these high-risk individuals from combat conditions in Afghanistan affords other military forces to concentrate on other vital missions. Today’s transfer and the future removal and detention of Al Qaeda and Taliban detainees are all in support of Operation Enduring Freedom" said Army Lt. Col. Bill Costello, a military spokesman.

     Detained persons have been and will continue to be treated humanely. Humane treatment includes adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and medical treatment. Guantanamo Bay is preparing to receive up to 2,000 Al-Qaeda and Taliban detainees.

     More than 850 military personnel, from each of the five branches of the Armed Forces, are currently assigned to Joint Task Force 160 to support security operations here.