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