EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/09/2004

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001978 SIPDIS NOFORN DEPT. FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/OSAC, CA/OCS, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/09/2004 REF: A. SECSTATE 238787 ¶B. MUSCAT 1954 Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. Reason: 1.4(c). -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 9 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the holiday weekend and to discuss any security implications of anticipated offensive operations in Fallujah Iraq (reftel A). -------------- -------------- Response to Anticipated Offensive Operations in Fallujah -------------- -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) The EAC reviewed the known facts regarding the ongoing offensive military operations in Fallujah, Iraq. The EAC determined that such operations would pose little to no/no security implications for the Embassy. The EAC noted that Omani public opinion would be shaped in large part on how this latest offensive is portrayed in the regional and local media. The EAC concluded that there has been no change in the local security environment since its last meeting held on November 6 (reftel B) and that the Embassy's FPCON (Bravo) and already heightened security posture remain appropriate. RSO and RMAS affirmed that their Omani government counterparts continue to emphasize that they have control of the local security situation and are poised to respond to any imminent threat to American personnel or interests in Oman. -------------- Maintaining Personal Vigilance -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO reiterated that members of the EAC should continue reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need for vigilance regarding all aspects of personal security, including the need to maintain a low profile and to remain unpredictable. RSO also re-emphasized the importance of immediately reporting suspicious activity or security-related incidents, especially those involving suspected surveillance, to Post One. The EAC remains acutely aware of the need to monitor both the regional and local security environments, and is prepared to take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either occur. AMB, DCM, A/RSO, RMAS, OMC (USDR),DAO, P/E, MGT, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. BALTIMORE