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. -------------- Security for the Marine Ball -------------- ¶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. -------------- Further Response to Jeddah Attack -------------- ¶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. -------------- Maintaining Personal Security -------------- ¶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