SANAA EAC MEETING MAY 27

S E C R E T SANAA 001191 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA, NEA/ARP, NEA/EX, S/CT, CA, DS/IP, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, CENTCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2013 TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER CASC YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING MAY 27 REF: STATE 137077 Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull, for Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S/NF) Summary: The Ambassador convened an Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting on May 27 to assess Embassy security posture in light of recent unspecified threat information. Post is working closely with ROYG to review security, and continues to endorse the return of minor dependents. EAC also discussed confusion surrounding the text of a recent travel warning. End summary. ¶2. (S/NF) Key offices and personnel represented at the 5/27 EAC meeting included: ADMIN, AMB, CONS, DCM, FPD, LEGATT, MSG, OMC, ORCA, PD, POL/ECON, RSO, and SOC YEMEN. ¶3. (S/NF) LEGATT, ORCA, and RSO reported ongoing efforts to clarify unspecified threat information recently provided by a U.S. law enforcement agency. Post has identified no specific area of concern based on this information, and numerous security enhancements are already in place including increased security at the Hadda and Tourist City compounds and the Sheraton Hotel. Efforts are underway to seek clarification of the information. -------------- Minor Dependents -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) In light of recent events in the region, members of the EAC reviewed and upheld post's decision to recommend the return of minor dependents. Several participants noted the impossibility of proving a negative, i.e. that no terrorist strike against U.S. interests would occur in Yemen, despite the absence of information indicating a current threat. The Ambassador noted that work undertaken to enhance the security posture of U.S.-related sites after the attacks in Riyadh and Casablanca demonstrates the continuing effectiveness of security cooperation with ROYG authorities. ¶5. (S/NF) The EAC noted that, in March 2002, post requested and received approval for the return of adult dependents. Eighteen months later the security measures employed by Post with ROYG cooperation have proven effective. No adult dependent has been targeted, victimized, or identified as a security liability. Post reiterates its recommendation for the return of minor dependents. -------------- Travel Warning -------------- ¶6. (S/NF) EAC members expressed concern over confusion caused by a recent travel warning announcing the cancellation of authorized departure while reiterating advice to American citizens to leave Yemen. Some Embassy contacts apparently interpreted this announcement as an indication of a new threat and a signal of the Embassy's eminent closure. EAC members will review the text of the announcement to identify areas that should be considered for revision. HULL