UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 001065

SIPDIS

DEPT ALSO FOR USAID - DCHA/OFDA

GENEVA FOR UNDRO AND LRCS

USCINCCENT ALSO FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR AMGT PREL ASEC CASC EAID KU
SUBJECT: TFIZ01 SITREP NO. 12

REF: KUWAIT 1053 AND PREVIOUS


1. SITREP NO. 12 AS OF 2359 HOURS LOCAL, 1159 HOURS WASHINGTON
TIME MARCH 24, 2003 .


2. EVENTS SINCE LAST SITREP (all reported times are
Kuwait Local, GMT plus three):

--------------
Security/Military
--------------
1310 Duck and Cover Alert; gas masks donned.

1320 All Clear sounded.

1337 Duck and Cover Alert; gas masks donned.

1345 All Clear sounded.

1346 Duck and Cover Alert; gas masks donned.

1352 All Clear sounded.

1456 Embassy Marine Guard reported that all three
missiles launched from Iraq and precipitating above Duck
and Covers overshot and landed in Arabian Gulf; no
injuries or damage reported.

1647 Duck and Cover Alert; gas masks donned.

1655 All Clear sounded.

1750 ASRO reported missile launched from Iraq and
precipitating above Duck and Cover impacted; no injuries
or damage reported.

2220 Received call from NEA/ARP Kuwait Desk Officer
regarding a CNN news story about a bomb scare
near a Kuwaiti Hotel. RSO established contact
with the Kuwaiti EOD; their investigation
determined that a suspicious vehicle in front
of the Kuwait Marriott was searched and
cleared-no bomb was found. DOS Task Force
informed via telephone; Kuwait Desk Officer
informed via e-mail.

2225 Received word via Embassy staffer of an
explosion near 5th Fleet headquarters in
Bahrain. Fox news subsequently confirmed that
a propane tank exploded near the Fleet; no
injuries were reported; it is not considered a
terrorist attack at this time.

--------------
Political
--------------
1908 Received telephone call from Enjood Al-Ghanim
on behalf of the Al-Ghanim company in order to
express thanks for American efforts in Iraq and
express condolences for American Prisoners of
War in Iraq.

1944 Received call from Al-Awadi/Al-Anzi families
expressing sorrow over the American soldier killed by his
fellow serviceman. Caller voiced thanks for America's
efforts in Iraq; stated "all Kuwaiti people are with
you."

1954 Received call from Kuwaiti citizen expressing thanks
for the American and British forces in Kuwait; caller
stated "Our hearts are with you; we are in a safe place
because the Americans are here."

2117 Received call from Kuwaiti citizen expressing
gratitude to America; caller stated "You're freeing so
many people who suffer in the Iraqi regime, and you're
doing an extremely important job for the people of Iraq,
and the next generation."

2130 Received call from Kuwaiti citizen speaking on
behalf of entire family; caller expressed appreciation
for America's hard work, stating "We don't regret
anything. Best of luck, we love you and President Bush,
and Bush senior as well."

2230 Received call from Kuwaiti citizen representing 30
compatriots; caller expressed appreciation for Operation
Iraqi Freedom and condolences for all Coalition soldiers
who have lost their lives in action. Caller stated "We
pray for an easy and quick return of coalition POWs, and
support the Coalition 100% in its actions inside Iraq."

2320 Received call from Kuwaiti citizen expressing deep
gratitude to the Coalition forces and offering to provide
housing and food if necessary.

2335 Received call from Kuwaiti citizen expressing
profound appreciation to the Coalition; offered to help
in any way.

2240 Received call from Kuwaiti citizen expressing
support for the war against suppression of
Iraqis.

--------------
Consular
--------------
No activity to report.

--------------
Management
--------------
1555 Airport Operations: 1) As of today, Kuwait City
International
Airport is open from 0600-1800; this will be
reassessed in 7 days. 2) Kuwait Airways has
canceled all direct flights to Europe and the
United States; situation to be reassessed on
March 29. 3) Connections to/from Europe are
via Dubai (now serving as Lufthansa's main
hub), Bahrain and Doha, Qatar.



3. COMMENTS: None


4. STATUS OF PENDING REQUESTS: See above.

JONES