Demonstrations for previous Gitmo detainee Omar Khadr / Creative Commons

"We are taking this step in consultation with the Congress, and in a responsible manner that protects our national security," White House spokesman Jay Carney stated. "We continue to call on Congress to join us in supporting these efforts by lifting the current restrictions that significantly limit our ability to transfer detainees out of Guantanamo, even those who have been approved for transfer."

The names of the two detainees are undisclosed as well as any agreement with the Algerian government regarding their detention in Algeria. 

A statement from the Pentagon stated: "Over the past few months, a very senior interagency team conducted an intensive review of this matter. Based on their recommendations, and as mandated by Congress, Secretary Hagel signed off on the legal requirements to move forward with the transfer these detainees." 

According to an administration official, the two detainees were chosen because Algeria is a close ally that has a successful history of managing previous detainees. 

Attorney Cori Crider of the British human rights group Reprieve believes that the detainees’ hunger strike, as well as pressure from members of Congress have forced the administration to act on the matter. Dozens of Guantanamo prisoners are still on a hunger strike to draw attention to their indefinite detention. 

ALSO SEE: Guantanamo Prisoner Hunger Strike Brings In Medics, Red Cross

Canadian citizen Omar Khadr was the last detainee to be transferred to his country of origin in September 2012, where he is serving out his remaining sentence. 166 prisoners still remain in Guantanamo Bay. 

ALSO SEE: Obama Begins New Push To Close Guantanamo

Reach Executive Producer Syuzanna Petrosyan here. Follow her on Twitter.