Gitmo detainee dies in apparent suicide

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, May 19 (UPI) -- An Afghan detainee at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, died of an apparent suicide, the U.S. Southern Command said.

The detainee, identified only as Inayatullah, 37, was found unresponsive and not breathing Wednesday during a routine check by guards, the command said in a release.

After life-saving measures were exhausted, Inayatullah was pronounced dead at the scene, the command said.

Military officials said Inayatullah was an admitted planner for al-Qaida terrorist operations, saying he helped facilitate the movement of foreign fighters across multiple borders. He arrived at Guantanamo in September 2007.

His remains are being treated with respect for Islamic culture and traditions, officials said. Once an autopsy is completed, the remains will be prepared for repatriation.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the incident to determine the cause and manner surrounding the death.