SANAA EAC MEETING - 4 JANUARY 2003

S E C R E T SANAA 000031

SIPDIS

NOFORN

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: 01/04/2013
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER YM EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING - 4 JANUARY 2003

REF: SANAA 04060

Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull, Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (S/NF) Begin summary: The Ambassador convened an EAC
meeting on January 4, 2003, to assess recent threat
information that emerged from the investigation of the Dec.
30 Jibla Hospital shooting (see reftel) and adopt measures to
enhance security for Yemen-based American citizens. Key
offices and personnel represented at the meeting included:
DCM, POL/ECON, CONS, ADMIN, PD, RSO, RMO, ORCA, DAO, OMC, SOC
YEMEN, FPD and FBI. End summary.


2. (S/NF) The Ambassador held an EAC meeting on January 4
to analyze investigative findings known thus far about the
December 30 Jibla Hospital shooting and how this information
can be used to bolster security for Americans who reside and
work in Yemen. FBI conveyed that the perpetrator, Abd
Abdulrazak Mohammed Kamel, was motivated to kill Dr. Martha
Myers primarily because he was told of her success in
converting numerous Yemenis from Islam to Christianity. FBI
emphasized Kamel's focus on killing proselytizers, relaying
that Kamel confessed he has nothing against Americans,
Christians or Jews. Nevertheless, Kamel added that U.S.
Middle East policy is partly to blame for his actions, based
on the U.S. military presence in the Red Sea and Arabian
Peninsula and support for Israel.


3. (S/NF) EAC discussed the nature and extent of the
linkage between Kamel and Ali Al-Jarala (who assassinated the
Deputy Secretary General of the Yemeni Socialist Party on
December 28),focusing on the potential risk facing the
American community. The Ambassador concluded that the most
prominent targets are Yemeni secularist politicians,
missionaries and members of the U.S. military. However, he
placed great importance on determining which other
individuals may be in danger, tasking POLM, RSO and FBI to
request further information from the PSO and Ministry of
Interior.


4. (S/NF) EAC identified specific organizations whose
members and employees may be vulnerable because they are
either U.S. citizens, organizations with U.S. affiliations,
or organizations associated with religious groups or
practices. The list includes: Yemen America Language
Institute (part of the U.S. Embassy); United Nations; the
NGOs CARE, Amideast and National Democratic Institute; Sanaa
International School; Adra (a faith-based Christian USAID
contractor); a Protestant-run eye clinic; and Sanaa-based
church services held in private residences. The Ambassador
assigned particular EAC members to liaise with appropriate
organization leaders to advise of the threat and consult on
the implementation of additional security practices. FPD
will return to Jibla to conduct a security review for the
benefit of Americans who choose to remain.


5. (S/NF) The meeting ended with concern about any
potential danger associated with unofficial travel within
Yemen. EAC concluded that unofficial travel will be approved
on a case by case basis.


6. (U) Ambassador will meet with American wardens,
including representatives of groups noted para. 4, to share
information on Jibla attack and encourage self-assessments of
vulnerabilities and heightened security.
HULL