DJIBOUTI: EAC 05/02/04

S E C R E T DJIBOUTI 000647

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/DSS, DS/DSS/IP, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/E,
AF/EX, M, S/CT, CA/OCS
ADDIS ABABA, ASMARA, NAIROBI FOR RSO
CJTF HOA FOR CG, J2, J3, J2X, MARCENT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/02/2014
TAGS: PTER ASEC DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI: EAC 05/02/04

REF: STATE 97324

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


1. (S) Post convened a meeting of the Emergency Action
Committee (EAC) on 02 May, 2004 to review threat information
as outlined in REFTEL and recent threat reporting from other
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 as a result
of the recent media exposure of inappropriate behavior on
behalf of U.S. and British troops in Iraq.


2. (S) The EAC was composed of the Ambassador, DCM, RSO, RAO,
USLO, MgtOff, ConOff, PolOff and newly appointed Force
Protection Officer (FPO). The contents of REFTEL were
discussed in detail and all parties agreed that current
physical security measures at the Embassy remain sufficient
to deter or disrupt an attack. Mission personnel have been
at a heightened level for a period of time and are carrying
out appropriate personal security measures. Recent physical
security enhancements to the Embassy include:

- The relocation of concrete barriers on to the adjacent lot
for the purpose of increasing set back and impeding vehicle
entry.
- The placement of new 6 ft. concrete barriers on the
beachhead behind the Embassy to increase set back and to
prevent a breach of the perimeter by waterborne vessels.
- The installation of portable drop arm barriers on the
street in front of the Embassy to secure the street and
prevent a breach of the perimeter by a VBIED.


3. (SBU) Appropriate Military representatives from Camp
Lemonier are aware of the current threat and will take
measures IAW their SOPs. US Military elements are also
coordinating with the host nation and the French Forces in
Djibouti (FFD) who have a formal defense agreement with the
Government of Djibouti.


4. (S) The EAC agreed that due to the general threat of
attacks against Americans world wide and recent threat
information emanating from the capture of Al Qaeda operatives
in Djibouti, it would be prudent to reiterate the need for
vigilance and personal security measures to the American
community. ConOff has forwarded the Departments world wide
warning to all wardens and members of the community and has
reiterated the need to maintain a low profile and strongly
consider postponing activities that involve large groups of
Americans or Westerners. The Ambassador has scheduled a town
hall meeting for community members on 09 May, 2004. The
Ambassador, RSO and ConOff will address current security
concerns at that time. In addition, The Ambassador will
raise US security concerns officially with the Government of
Djibouti.


5. (S/NF) Note: Embassy and military officers have queried
their respective sources as to the incidents in Iraq, but no
information has surfaced that would indicate any
anti-American sentiment. This is not to say that the host
nation would not voice its opinion on the incidents. Past
incidents have shown that, when pressured by its Arab League
brethren, the Government of Djibouti will take an opposing
stance on certain American Foreign policies so as not to lose
face with the public.


6. (U) POC is RSO Marc Ramos at 253-35-39-95 ext. 2307 or
253-35-26-73 (secure).
RAGSDALE

RAGSDALE