AMBASSADOR DELIVERS THERMOBARICS, STATE SPONSORED

S E C R E T SANAA 002408

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2014
TAGS: ETTC KSTC PARM PREL PTER PINR YM DEMARCHE COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DELIVERS THERMOBARICS, STATE SPONSORED
TERRORISM DEMARCHES

REF: A. STATE 187644

B. STATE 188657

Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski; reasons 1.4 (b),(d).


1. (C) Summary. Ambassador took the opportunity of his
introductory meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa
Noman to deliver refs A and B. Noman listened carefully to
both messages and asked questions, but offered no immediate
response. Discussions on G-8 BMENA process covered septel.
End Summary.


2. (S/NF) Ambassador delivered ref A to Deputy Foreign
Minister Noman on September 7. He stressed that out of the
six state sponsors of terrorism, the roles of Syria and Iran
are the most damaging to peace and stability in the region.
Ambassador noted Syrian support for HAMAS, Hizballah, and
other dangerous terrorist organizations. Moving to Iran, the
most active state sponsor of terrorism in the world,
Ambassador said direct and indirect support for terrorist
elements operating in Iraq is increasing. Ambassador noted
Yemeni suspicions regarding Iranian support for al-Houthi.
Noman nodded but offered no immediate response.


3. (S) Ambassador thanked the DFM for his Ministry's
assistance during A/S Bloomfield's August 31 - September 2
visit to Yemen. The visit, he reported, was successful on
many levels, and we hope to have an agreement on the MANPADS
buyback initiative soon. Continuing on the subject of the
danger posed by man-portable shoulder-fired weapons,
Ambassador shared with Noman that the USG has information
that the ROYG is interested in purchasing thermobaric
rocket-propelled grenade launchers and grenades from Russia
(ref B). These weapons, Ambassador emphasized, are easily
transported and operated by a single individual and pack
significant destructive power, making them an ideal terrorist
weapon. Ambassador urged the ROYG not to add these dangerous
systems to its arsenal.


4. (S) Noman sought clarification as to the nature of
thermobaric weapons, and asked which countries are the main
manufacturing nations. Ambassador replied that our
information suggests the ROYG is looking to buy them from
Russia. The DFM promised to pass the information to the
Cabinet to ensure they are aware of the risk posed by these
weapons.
KRAJESKI