Muhammad Rahim is a high-level al-Qaida member and a close associate of Osama bin Laden, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said in a news release.

Before arriving at Guantanamo, Rahim "has been held in CIA custody," Whitman said.

Rahim prepared the Tora Bora, Afghanistan, complex as a hideout for bin Laden, and helped al-Qaida's departure from the area in late 2001.

"He had knowledge of, or was involved in, al-Qaida attacks planned against coalition forces in Afghanistan," Whitman said. "At the time of his capture, he was providing support to anti-coalition militias and groups allied with al-Qaida."