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