An al-Qaeda operative who served partly as Osama bin Laden's bodyguard pleaded guilty to providing support for terrorism during a court session Wednesday at Guantanamo Bay, the Pentagon said, dpa reported.
Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmoud al-Qosi, a 50-year-old Sudanese man, admitted guilt as part of a plea bargain, the terms of which were not announced. Sentencing is scheduled for August, the Pentagon said.
The judge in the military commissions repeatedly questioned al- Qosi to ensure he understood the charges and the plea, the Pentagon said.
Al-Qosi's conviction is the first of President Barack Obama's administration, and helps towards his effort of closing the controversial prison.
Although the Obama administration plans to shift some of the cases to civilian courts, it has drawn criticism from civil rights groups for keeping the military commissions active.
Prosectors allege al-Qosi has been affiliated with al-Qaeda since 1996, providing logistical support, including serving as bin Laden's bodyguard, driver and cook.