WASHINGTON — Three Guantanamo Bay detainees whose deaths were ruled a suicide in 2006 apparently were moved from their cells hours before their deaths to a secret site on the island, according to an article in Harper's Magazine.

The published account released today raises questions about whether the three detainees actually died by hanging themselves in their cells and suggests the U.S. government is covering up details of what precisely happened in the hours before the deaths.

Harper's reports the deaths of the three detainees, or the events that led directly to their deaths, most likely occurred at a previously undisclosed facility a mile or so from the main Guantanamo Bay prison complex.

Harper's based much of its account on interviews with several prison guards who said they knew of the existence of the "black" site and that they saw three detainees removed from Camp Delta several hours before the deaths were reported.

Those who knew of the black facility referred to it as "Camp No," reported the magazine, quoting Army Sgt. Joe Hickman, one of the guards.

Anyone who asked if the site existed would be told, "No, it doesn't," the magazine reported, quoting Hickman.

In response to the article, Army Col. Michael Bumgarner said today in an e-mail that "this blatant misrepresentation of the truth infuriates me."

Bumgarner added he would have to get clearance before he can talk to the news media, "but rest assured, I do want to talk to you very badly and set the record straight."

By The Associated Press