HOST GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IN COUNTERING POTENTIAL

S E C R E T SANAA 001319 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/09/2013 TAGS: PTER ASEC PREL MOPS COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: HOST GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IN COUNTERING POTENTIAL AERIAL THREAT REF: SECSTATE 155261 Classified By: CHARGE ALAN MISENHEIMER F0R REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (S/NF) Information about the missing Boeing 727 has been shared with appropriate Yemeni officials in the MOD and MOI. The Yemen Air Force routinely monitors aircraft movements around the Horn of Africa region, and will be looking for the plane. ¶2. (S/NF) However, absent specific information about the plane's location, or the intentions of its crew, it is highly unlikely that the MOD could effectively deploy its limited air defense systems to protect USG installations such as the Embassy or MTT teams now in country. We agree with the ROYG's own assessment - Yemen does not have the resources necessary to conduct operations like those outlined para 4 reftel. ¶3. (S/NF) Please advise if further action is required. MISENHEIMER