SANAA EAC MEETING - 9 DECEMBER 2003

S E C R E T SANAA 002908 SIPDIS NOFORN DS/DSS, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA, NEA/ARP, NEA/EX, NEA/P, CA, CENTCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2013 TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER YM EAC SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING - 9 DECEMBER 2003 Classified By: DCM Alan G. Misenheimer, for reasons 1.5 (B) and (D) ¶1. (S/NF) Summary: The DCM convened an EAC meeting on December 9, 2003, to review security conditions for Embassy personnel and the general American community in light of a recent news article reporting that Yemeni al-Qaeda has threatened attacks in the next 48 hours. The EAC commenced with a brief synopsis of the article by the DCM and the degree of credibility attributed to the article by the ORCA Chief. As the published threat was assessed to be (a) of uncertain validity, at best, and (b) directed against the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG),not U.S. interests in Yemen, the EAC decided a new warden message is unnecessary. Key offices and personnel represented included: DCM, POL/ECON, MO, CONS, PD, ORCA, DAO, OMC, FPD, MSG and RSO. End Summary. ¶2. (S/NF) The DCM briefed EAC members on the 12/08/2003 BBC report citing that Yemeni al-Qaeda has threatened a response directed at the ROYG in the next 48 hours in retribution for the host government's failed attempt to arrest Abdallah Al-Qar'am (NFI). ORCA Chief explained that none of the players named in the article is known, adding that the source of the BBC's information was a website whose credibility was uncertain, at best. ¶3. (S/NF) Based on ORCA's assessment and the article's specific language of targeting ROYG elements, the EAC decided that issuance of a new warden message is unwarranted at this time. DCM emphasized to EAC members the need to alert RSO if new information arises. ¶4. (S/NF) Concomitantly, RSO raised the issue of the currently heightened regional threat to expatriate housing compounds, and the pending request to MOI for an additional lane closure on Haddah Road in front of Haddah compound. DCM reiterated that these threats are generalized, not Yemen specific. It was agreed that DCM and RSO would raise the issue in pending meeting with the Interior Minister's Office Director. RSO comment: MOI representative assured RSO on 11/25/2003 that he would raise the Embassy's concern at the next ROYG Security Council meeting. End comment. ¶5. (S/NF) Finally, RSO suggested center-massing Embassy employee apartments within Haddah compound as new leasing contracts become available. Acting Consul added that the Consular Section has recently generated a list of all Amcits residing in the compound, including addresses and passport numbers. HULL