EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/08/2004

S E C R E T MUSCAT 002144

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT. FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/OSAC,
CA/OCS, DS/IP/SPC/MSG, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1
TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/08/2004

REF: A. MUSCAT 2130

B. TDX 314/67246-04

Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III.
Reason: 1.4(c).


1. (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency
Action Committee ("EAC") on December 8 to reassess the
Embassy's security posture immediately prior to the USMC
Birthday Ball and to discuss any additional concerns related
to the attack on Congen Jeddah earlier in the week.

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Security for the Marine Ball
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2. (S/NF) The EAC reviewed the security preparations for the
USMC Birthday Ball to be held on December 9. RSO staff, MSG
Detachment Commander, hotel security, and the Royal Oman
Police conducted a final walkthrough of the venue to address
last minute security concerns. Despite the recent attack in
Jeddah, the EAC concluded that there has been no change in
the local security environment since its last meeting held on
December 7 (reftel A),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.

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Further Response to Jeddah Attack
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3. (SBU) The EAC reviewed the updated facts regarding the
attack in Jeddah (reftel B). The Committee determined that
in addition to those measures discussed in reftel A, and to
counter the threat to a possible "piggybacked" intrusion
through the Embassy's main hard-line doors, all section heads
will brief their staff on the need to ensure that the doors
close completely behind them as they enter or exit.
RSO will include this reminder in their new arrival security
briefing. RSO also noted that Surveillance Detection assets
are routinely utilized to observe the public areas of the
Chancery.

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Maintaining Personal Security
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4. (S/NF) Members of the EAC were reminded to continue
reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need
to maintain a low profile and to remain unpredictable. RSO
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, P/E, RSO, ARSO, RMAS, OMC (USDR),DAO, MGT,
and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting.
BALTIMORE