DHAMAR MOSQUE ATTACK NOT ANTI-WESTERN TERRORISM

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000545

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/09/2014
TAGS: PTER PREL YM
SUBJECT: DHAMAR MOSQUE ATTACK NOT ANTI-WESTERN TERRORISM

REF: FBIS 060914Z MAR 04

Classified By: DCM Alan G. Misenheimer for Reasons 1.5 (b,d)


1. (C) Post confirmed with Ministry of Interior (MOI) that
the mosque attack in Dhamar 3/5 has no/no relation to
anti-Western or other terrorism. As reported in local and
international press (ref),Abdallah Ahmed Yahia Zeid Ghassan
killed five persons and injured 30 when he attacked a Dhamar
mosque with two grenades and small arms fire. He
subsequently killed himself. MOI did not find any letters,
literature or any personal connections that suggest the
incident is related to terrorism.


2. (C) MOI Chief of Staff Sunidar confirmed to RSO 3/6
details of the attack. Sunidar said that "erratic writings"
were found in the attacker's house and on his person, calling
his community immoral and stating that he would "destroy the
earth and the village" because it was evil and corrupt.
Neighbors reported to MOI that the attacker was mentally
unbalanced and was suffering personal problems related to a
recent divorce with infidelity overtones.


3. (C) Sunidar related a specific incident in the attack.
A woman approached the assailant on the road as he was
leaving the mosque. When she asked what had happened, he
reportedly said "you will die for asking" and shot her dead.


4. (C) Sunidar believed that the grenades and small arm
weapon were likely purchased from a weapons market somewhere
in Yemen.
HULL