SANAA EAC MEETING MAY 13

S E C R E T SANAA 001088 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA, NEA/ARP, NEA/EX, S/CT, CA, DS/DSS, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, CENTCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/13/2013 TAGS: ASEC CASC PTER YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING MAY 13 REF: A) SECSTATE 12430 B) SANAA 963 C) SANAA 1071 D) SANAA 1072 E) SANAA 1080 Classified By: Ambassador E.J. Hull. Reasons: 1.5 (B) and (D). ¶1. (S/NF) The Ambassador convened an Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting on May 13 to assess the threat of a "copy cat" attack similar to Riyadh, to determine the best approach to ROYG officials regarding the events in Riyadh and to evaluate Embassy security preparedness. Key offices and personnel represented at the meeting included: AMB, DCM, ADMIN, CONS, DAO, FPD, OMC, ORCA, PD, POL/ECON, RSO and SOC YEMEN. ¶2. (S/NF) DCM briefed on the events in Riyadh, reviewing the methodology of the attack in Riyadh and the need for Embassy community to be aware of potential "copycat attacks." As of this morning, the attacks on the compounds were believed to be conducted by two cars, a lead car that was used to take out the guards, and a second car containing explosives. DCM stressed that this latest modus oparandi should be understood and incorporated into our security posture. ¶3. (S/NF) After receiving notification of the Riyadh attacks just before 3 am local time, RSO notified Embassy Security, the Sheraton Hotel, Tourist City and Haddah compound security contacts and asked them all to increase security. RSO briefed that some believe that the Riyadh operation may have been in connection with a possible hostage-taking attempt and noted one uncorroborated report (Ref B) of a potential for hostage taking in Sanaa. Per Reftels C, D, E, the RSO also stated that he is investigating a possible case of surveillance by individuals in a Saudi-plated car currently under investigation. In another case, an NGO representative called the RSO to report a rumor that the ROYG had intercepted a pick up truck with UAE plates containing explosives. ¶4. (S/NF) ORCA reported no new threat information concerning Yemen. ¶5. (S/NF) The EAC discussed how to share information about this attack with ROYG officials. The RSO will brief his MOI and PSO contacts with details of the attack methodology (when known) and raise the rumor about the UAE truck. SOC Yemen will discuss the same issues with CSO. ¶6. (S/NF) DCM reviewed the Embassy security posture and the EAC agreed that an Admin notice should be sent to encourage the Embassy community to maintain vigilant security procedures. Ambassador asked Consul to schedule a Warden meeting for this week. DCM raised the question of whether the Embassy community should return to "Move Safe Lite," in which Embassy officials are encouraged among other measures, to use armored shuttles and limit non-essential movement. EAC agreed that absent specific threats, Admin should make the shuttles available for those who wish, but it was not necessary to return to Move Safe Lite. EAC also reviewed present travel procedures, both for TDYers arriving in Yemen and within country travel, and agreed that while the community is still under Authorized Departure, no change was needed for TDYers. In country travel procedures will continue to be reviewed by the RSO and coordinated with local government officials. HULL