SANAA EAC MEETING 12/28/2004

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 003170

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DS/DSS, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA, NEA/
ARP, NEA/EX, NEA/P, CA, CENTCOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/28/2014
TAGS: AMGT ASEC PREL PTER YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 12/28/2004

Classified By: Charge Nabeel Khoury, for reasons 1.4 (b) (c) and
(d).


1. (S/NF) Begin Summary: The Charge convened a
core EAC meeting on December 28, 2004, to share
information regarding the recent attempt to attack
Embassy personnel and to assess recent threat
information. Embassy employees were reminded to remain
vigilant in light of recent threat reporting and to
report all security related incidents immediately to
the RSO. EAC members noted no current additional specific
threats against Embassy Sanaa. Key offices and personnel
represented included: CDA, FPD, OMC, RMAS, POL/ECON ,MO,
CCE, DAO, AID, PD, LEGATT and RSO. END SUMMARY.



2. (C) The Charge began the discussion with a review
of the details concerning the recent attempt to
attack Embassy personnel during a Christmas Eve dinner
at an Embassy residence. Charge commended the
Ambassador's bodyguards and Yemeni CSF members who
foiled the attempt and apprehend the perpetrators.
Charge shared information provided by the Minister of
the Interior to include the arrest of the perpetrator
who admitted to wishing to hurt "foreigners" and to
having at least two possible collaborators. The Embassy
expects a full report from the MOI on the ongoing
investigation. A request by the Embassy to participate
in the interrogation is currently under consideration.
Charge stressed that that EAC members should not discuss
this matter or any details concerning the ongoing
investigation in order not to jeopardize efforts for
additional arrests in the case. Charge emphasized the
need for communication and information sharing between
EAC members and stressed and stressed the need for each
section to constantly review their personal security
measures.


3. (S/NF) RSO reviewed efforts to increase counter-
surveillance measures around Embassy residences and
consideration is being given to moving those Embassy
personnel whose residences are in more vulnerable areas.


4. (U) LEGATT noted that due the fact no American
American security officials are directly involved in the
investigation, the information received by the Embassy
from Yemeni security officials may not be totally
accurate. LEGATT suggested strong pressure on the MOI
to allow American investigators access to suspects
connected to the case as soon as possible for
questioning. LEGATT added that although no connection may
exist, the end of the year has typically been a time in
Yemen where attacks against westerners occur.



5. (S/NF) EAC members discussed general security
precautions. RMAS added that community members should
not rely solely on host government security but should
make assessments and take an active interest in there own
personal security. RMAS also emphasized the need to have
primary and secondary means of communications and
recommended a test of the Embassy phone tree system in the
near future.



6. (S/NF) EAC members agreed that recent events did not
warrant cancellation of the Embassy New Year's party to be
held on the Embassy compound or restriction of travel
throughout the country. The Charge concluded the EAC
meeting by reminding members to be vigilant in observing
their environment and reporting any unusual developments or
changes near their residences to the RSO. The implications
of recent events will be further reviewed as more
information comes in. EAC and Washington will be informed
accordingly.


KRAJESKI