Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03SANAA963
2003-05-04 13:03:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Sanaa
Cable title:  

EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING 04/30/03

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S E C R E T SANAA 000963 

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: 04/30/2013
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC PREL PTER EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING 04/30/03


Classified By: ACTING DCM RUSSELL JONES, FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D)

S E C R E T SANAA 000963

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: 04/30/2013
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC PREL PTER EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING 04/30/03


Classified By: ACTING DCM RUSSELL JONES, FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D)


1. (S/NF) Begin Summary: On April 30, 2003, the Chief Of
Mission chaired a core Emergency Action Committee meeting
with COM, ORCA, DATT, FPD, SOC-Yemen and RSO in attendance.
The topic of discussion was TD-3/OO/13299-03, 21 April 03,
regarding a senior Al-Qaida planner in Saudi Arabia who was
attempting to revive plans for a kidnapping operation
(of US or UK citizen) in Yemen. EAC members noted that
election tension still remain in some districts where the
vote has not been counted and election results are expected
to be finalized within the next two or three days.
End Summary.


2. (S/NF) Regarding the kidnapping threat against mid-level
officials, the EAC noted:
- That the veracity of the source and information was
hard to assess.

- The threat information, according to ORCA, demonstrated
the potential for a continuing threat in Yemen, showing that
remnants of terrorist cells still want to do something.

- Extreme elements are displaying disappointment in
Al-Qaida's failure to follow-up on threats against
American interests following Coalition action
against Iraq.

- Kidnapping according to ORCA, has been a historic factor
for many years and more specific information on kidnapping
does not necessarily mean that the threat level has risen.

- EAC members agreed that no one can be certain if the
threat is against official Americans, members of the
western business community or both official and
non-official Americans and other third country nationals.


3. (SBU) The EAC was unanimous in its opinion that the
American community at large, must not become complacent
now that a lessening of security tensions has occurred in
Yemen following the war with Iraq and the conclusion of
national elections.


4. (SBU) The EAC noted that community members were
beginning to ask questions regarding the security situation
and are looking for security guidance regarding daily
activities within Sanaa and Yemen, following the war and
the national elections on 27 April.


5. (C) The EAC was advised about the following RSO liaison
and discussions with MOI:
- The potential for kidnapping Americans (MOI provided no
guidance).
- The potential for transnational terrorism and border
security (MOI indicated that border security was a very
sensitive national security matter and RSO's MOI contact
was reluctant to comment on it).


6. (SBU) The RSO also reviewed:
- Surveillance Detection Team (SD) efforts to monitor
Embassy Officer residences.
- Security screening at the Sheraton Hotel with senior MOI
officials to identify areas of improvement in security
practices by Yemeni officials at entry points.


7. (SBU) EAC members noted the worldwide warden message
warning Americans to be cautious during overseas travel.


8. (SBU) The Ambassador concluded the EAC meeting by
stating that he would schedule a warden meeting with the
wider American community to discuss post-war and
post-election security concerns. The Ambassador also
directed the RSO to coordinate with the Administration
Officer regarding follow-up with the MOI on issuance of
non-diplomatic license plates for Embassy vehicles.
Finally the Ambassador directed the RSO to draft a message
to the American community regarding security awareness.
HULL