SANAA EAC MEETING - 09 FEBRUARY 2003

S E C R E T SANAA 000312

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: 02/09/2013
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING - 09 FEBRUARY 2003

REF: SANAA 00255

Classified By: Charge d'Affairs Alan G. Misenheimer, for reasons 1.5 (b
) and (d).


1. (S/NF) Begin summary: The Charge convened an EAC meeting
on February 9 to assess recent threat information and discuss
security-related issues, including alleged terrorist food
poisoning, enhanced personal security awareness and obstacles
to Chem/Bio training. Also mentioned was EAP readiness and
the need to prepare for a future conflict in Iraq. Key
offices and personnel represented at the meeting included:
CHG, POL/ECON, CONS, ADMIN, PD, RSO, ORCA, OMC, SOC YEMEN,
RMO, FPD AND FBI. End summary.


2. (S/NF) The Charge opened the meeting with a briefing on
the latest Department worldwide advisory, highlighting the
possibility for further al-Qaeda attacks in the Arabian Gulf.
Specifically mentioned was the possibility of poisoned food
supplies. AdminOff will investigate the food procurement
process and suggested tasking the Regional Security Office's
(RSO) Surveillance Detection team to observe Post food
deliveries. FPD Chief volunteered to work with the RSO to
conduct criminal investigations of potential food supply
poisoning.


3. (S/NF) ORCA Chief described a developing rift between
two very high-ranking al-Qaeda operatives, explaining that
one individual continues to seek long range planning of
attacks against economic targets, while the other wants to
execute small, multiple, random acts of violence. ORCA Chief
advised of the need for continued personal security
vigilance, especially if the latter strategy proves to become
al-Qaeda's favored modus operandi. The Consul added that she
will emphasize the need for unofficial Americans in Yemen to
employ the same personal security measures currently
practiced by Embassy officials during the upcoming February
10 warden meeting.


4. (S/NF) The Charge stated that a Department Chem/Bio
training team had been scheduled to arrive Post on February
10, but the visit was postponed because escape masks to be
used for training are being held up at the Republic of Yemen
Government (ROYG) Customs warehouse (see reftel). The Charge
assigned the ORCA Chief to relay to the Political Security
Organization Chief that holding these masks is an extremely
serious act that could have grave repercussions for future
U.S. - ROYG intelligence cooperation.


5. (S/NF) RSO notified the EAC that Emergency Action Plan
(EAP) chapters are ready for dissemination to appropriate
offices for input and clearance. February 24 is the target
date for EAP completion.


6. (S/NF) The Charge concluded the meeting by alerting EAC
members to prepare for a post-Eid holiday EAC meeting to
discuss Embassy contingency measures in the event of U.S.
military action in Iraq.
MISENHEIMER