TFIZ01: SANAA EAC MEETINGS MARCH 21

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 000574

SIPDIS

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: 03/21/2013
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PTER PREL CASC YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: SANAA EAC MEETINGS MARCH 21

REF: A. SANAA 573


B. SANAA 570

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


1. (S/NF) Begin Summary: The Ambassador convened two
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meetings on March 21. At
1400, EAC met to assess threat information in light of
developments with the Iraq contingency and a developing
demonstration. At 1830, EAC met to discuss Embassy response
to the violent demonstration near the Embassy that left
several demonstrators and security forces dead and injured
(ref a). Internal defense measures are in place, including
standing a 24/7 watch using RSO-directed Embassy elements
with agreed-upon rules of engagement. At 1915 Ambassador
discussed the situation with President Saleh, offering
condolences and appreciation for security provided, asking
for further enhancements and suggesting that Saleh might
issue a public statement urging non-violence. Saleh is
convening a security meeting immediately and will respond on
specific enhancements for security. More demonstrations are
expected March 22. Key offices and personnel represented at
the meeting included: AMB, DCM, POL/ECON, CONS, ADMIN, PD,
RSO, ORCA, OMC, SOC YEMEN and RMO.

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Demonstration Near Embassy Turns Violent
--------------


2. (S/NF) A demonstration at Sheraton Circle near the
Embassy turned violent, leaving several dead (ref a). By
1800 local, ROYG and Embassy security called an all clear.
SOC said Central Security Organization (CSO) reported two
officers killed and four critically wounded. DAO sources
reported three demonstrators killed and 14 injured. Media
reports on deaths and injuries vary. Al Jazeera and Yemeni
television reported the death of a 12 year old boy during the
demonstration.


4. (S/NF) ORCA reported that the hard-core demonstrators
who remained to clash with the security forces were in two
main groups, one with approximately 400 persons and one with
approximately 250. ROYG elements reported approximately 800
in total.


5. (S/NF) In response to rumours at 1845, RSO spoke to MOI
to dispatch CSO forces to deal with an alleged mob of
demonstrators who had gathered at the Sanaa International
School (SIS),which is currently closed. The rumors proved
unfounded.


6. (S/NF) DAO reported that evening mosque sermons were
calling for additional protests and stoking the emotions of
worshippers. Demonstrators are planning to return to the
Embassy March 22.


7. (S/NF) The YALI teacher and stringer for Associated
Press who was detained by military intelligence at the
demonstration was taken to the Embassy pending a safe time to
get him home via armored vehicle.

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Embassy Response
--------------


8. (S/NF) Internal defense measures were put in place to
ensure wide security coverage and adequate response. The
plan included a floor-by-floor approach by MSG and other
augmentees for defense of the chancery. 24/7 watchstanding
began at 1930, with personnel on the roofs of both the
chancery and the residence. Rules of Engagement have been
agreed, to include clear command and control under RSO,
watchstanders in body armor and armed and use of lethal force
only with RSO (and COM) direction or in self-defense or in
defense of American life.


9. (S/NF) EAC discussed concern that the Sheraton Hotel
could become a target in future demonstrations, although it
was not a target at the 3/21 demonstration. EAC decided not
to remove to the Embassy the 15-20 Embassy personnel on
StandFast at the Sheraton. Rather, they will be moved in
armored vehicles as soon as the Embassy hears a demonstration
might be forming anywhere in Sanaa. Embassy personnel on
StandFast at their residences and the ACC will remain because
they live far from the Embassy and are not in high
concentrations.


10. (S/NF) EAC suggested another radio message be
disseminated to provide further information on the
demonstration and advise them to remain at StandFast.


11. (S/NF) PAO reported that press guidance is being
cleared through Washington and that requests were received
for interviews about the demonstration, which he declined.

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President Saleh Promises Continued Security
--------------


12. (S/NF) Ambassador spoke with President Saleh by phone.
Ambassador offered regret for the Yemenis killed and injured,
particularly security forces. He told Saleh that he
appreciated the protection provided and suggested that
further enhancements of security measures for Embassy and
Amcits should be discussed. Ambassador also suggested it
would be helpful for President Saleh to make a statement
discouraging violence and turning efforts towards
humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people, similar to
statements made in Morocco and soon in Jordan.


13. (S/NF) The Presidency phoned again and told the
Ambassador that Saleh appreciated the Ambassador's points and
is convening immediately a security meeting to go over
contingencies. The President will be in touch with specific
enhancements.

--------------
Other Threats and Security Issues;
Marib Incident
--------------


14. (S/NF) ORCA reported no change in current threat
information beyond the demonstrations. ORCA reported on
ongoing discussions with PSO regarding Iraqis. EAC discussed
developments and upcoming actions in the Iraq war and
worldwide televised demonstrations in regards to their effect
on the situation in Sanaa.


15. (S) The list of Americans for the MOI for protection
continues to be worked.


16. (S/NF) The investigation into the Marib incident
continued and no concrete evidence for a motive -- political
or otherwise -- has been found (ref b). Because of the
violent demonstrations, a planned trip by FBI and FPD to
Marib to join the autopsy of the killer was cancelled.
HULL