South American Airline Posts Lookout for Former Gitmo Detainee

Released prisoner believed to be in Brazil after dissatisfaction with conditions in Uruguay.

At least one South American airline is asking their flight attendants to be on guard in joining the search for a former Guantanamo Bay detainee. The Associated Press reports Avianca Airlines has distributed an internal memo to employees asking them to watch for Abu Wa’el Dhiab, originally from Syria.

The airline confirmed to the AP that an internal memo asking employees to be on alert for Dhiab was distributed, but would not comment on the nature of the alert. According to an Argentine news website, the employees were warned that Dhiab may be flying on a forged passport, claiming the information came from Brazilian anti-terrorism police.

Avianca’s all-points watch comes after Dhiab was said to have left Uruguay in favor of Brazil. He was one of six former detainees admitted to the country by the former presidential administration. However, the group has reportedly experienced difficulties transitioning to life in Uruguay, including accusing the government of not providing enough support.

Currently, Dhiab’s whereabouts are unknown, which are of concern to international authorities and airlines. While Uruguayan officials say Dhiab has an identity card and is free to leave the nation if he so wishes, Brazilian immigration authorities say there is no record of his entrance into the nation. Previously, the United States Embassy in Uruguay said they were working with both countries to determine Dhiab’s whereabouts.

In addition to the airline’s alert, The Telegraph reports the Brazilian Federal Police are interested in finding Dhiab. Police sources speaking to a Brazilian newspaper allege Dhiab was banned from entering Brazil on three occasions due to his name appearing on terrorism watch lists.

[Photo: Jihad Ahmed Mustafa Dhiab, 43, in Montevideo, Uruguay, after his release from Guantanamo, AP]