The Pentagon revealed today that four high-ranking Taliban prisoners suspected of having close ties to Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda terrorist network were released from custody early this morning.

The prisoners were captured during the furious battle at Tora Bora in Afghanistan during December, 2001 and had been held captive for CIA, DIA and FBI intelligence debriefings for nearly thirteen (13) months aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.

In keeping with the benevolent spirit toward the enemy demonstrated by our soldiers and Marines in Iraq, the Navy said the prisoners were provided $50 cash each and a white 1963 Ford Fairlane for their return trip home to Saudi Arabia.

Navy photographers aboard the USS Enterprise captured the photo below as the prisoners departed the ship.