DJIBOUTI: EAC 11/02/2004

S E C R E T DJIBOUTI 001399

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR DS/DSS, DS/DSS/IP, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/E,
AF/EX, S/CT, CA/OCS, S/ES-O/CMS, INR
EMBASSIES ADDIS ABABA, ASMARA, NAIROBI, KHARTOUM AND SANAA
FOR RSO
CJTF HOA FOR CG, J2, J2X, J3, ATFP, MARCENT CO, ATFP, S-2
AND JSOTF S-2

E.O. 12958: DECL: 25X1
TAGS: PTER ASEC DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI: EAC 11/02/2004

Classified By: RSO Marc Ramos for reason 1.4 (c) and (g)


1. (C) Post convened a core meeting of the Emergency Action
Committee (EAC) on 02 November, 2004 to review recent threat
reporting from US Military sources. The EAC discussed the
potential of attacks on
western targets and the addition of needed security measures
to mitigate the threat. Potential targets in Djibouti
include the Embassy, the U.S. Military Base Camp Lemonier,
and frequented establishments in the downtown area. In
addition, the EAC addressed the potential risk of personal
attacks to American and other Western civilians.


2. (S/NF) The core EAC was composed of the Ambassador, RSO,
COS, USLO, FPO and U.S. Military J2X. Due to the sensitivity
of HUMINT controlled sources, the EAC cannot reference a
particular report at this time, but will immediately notify
the Department as soon as a releasable report is published.
On 11/02/2004, US Military sources received information
indicating that a terrorist attack is being planned for
execution within the next 48 hours against US Military and/or
Coalition forces either in Djibouti and/or Ethiopia. The
source providing the information is still being vetted for
credibility, but the information remains inconclusive and
cannot be corroborated. The methods, personnel, resources
and operational planning is unknown at this time. In light
of coinciding events to include the Presidential elections,
troop movements in the region, ongoing US Military operations
in Iraq and the approaching end of Ramadan, the EAC believes
that the possibility for such an attack is greater now than
ever before. Due to non-specific information and the
questionable credibility of the source, the EAC has decided
not to notify the American community of the threat until the
information can be corroborated.


3. (C) The EAC agreed that current physical security measures
at the Embassy remain sufficient to deter or disrupt an
attack. In light of the general threat during the
Presidential elections the Host Nation has increased its
special Police presence around the Embassy during peak hours
as an added security measure. Mission personnel have been at
a heightened level for a period of time and are carrying out
appropriate personal security measures. Military
representatives from Camp Lemonier are aware of the current
threat and will take measures IAW their SOPs. In addition,
liberty has been restricted for the next 48 hours and joint
US/Djiboutian Military patrols will be increased. Coalition
forces will be apprised of the threat IAW National Security
Information standards.


4. (U) POC is RSO Marc Ramos at 253-35-39-95 ext. 2307 or
253-35-09-49 (secure).
RAGSDALE