Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
04SANAA673 | 2004-03-23 09:45:00 | SECRET//NOFORN | Embassy Sanaa |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 000673 |
1. (S/NF) Begin summary: Ambassador convened an EAC meeting on March 22, 2004, to review security conditions for Embassy personnel and the general American community in light of Israel's assassination of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin (reftel). Ambassador commenced the EAC with an overview of the Yassin assassination. ORCA Chief and the Regional Security Officer (RSO) assessed that the Yassin attack did not pose an increased risk of terrorism against U.S. interests in Yemen, but demonstrations were likely and violent acts by individuals probable. Additional threat information was also discussed, some of which was assessed to be unsubstantiated rumor. DCM reviewed the 3/19 Ethiopian refugee incident. Prior to the EAC meeting, the Embassy issued a Warden message warning American citizens to avoid possible demonstrations that may arise as a result of the Yassin assassination. After the EAC Ambassador raised this issue at a Warden meeting and emphasized the need for Americans to lower their profile. Key offices and personnel represented included: AMB, DCM, POL/ECON, CONS, MO, PD, ORCA, OMC, SOCE-Yemen, FPD, AID and RSO. End Summary. -------------------------- Assassination Overview and Threat Assessment -------------------------- 2. (S/NF) Ambassador briefed EAC members on the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. Ambassador explained that the Hamas presence in Yemen is political, possessing no operational capability. Ambassador advised that there will nevertheless be widespread popular sympathy for Yassin within Yemen. While the Yassin assassination is unlikely to increase the likelihood of terrorism against U.S. interests in Yemen, Ambassador noted the possibility of violent action by an enraged individual, such as the March 2002 Embassy grenade attack perpetrated by a lone, mentally unbalanced individual. 3. (S/NF) ORCA Chief concurred with Ambassador's assessment, stating that Hamas focuses on fundraising activity but does not maintain an operational wing in Yemen. ORCA advised that the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) embraces Hamas and that potentially violent demonstrations by Yemeni citizens are more likely than a Hamas terrorist attack in Yemen. All EAC elements, including intelligence sources, concur that no immediate threat of terrorist attacks is indicated; but, demonstration(s) over coming days are possible. ORCA Chief added that the Political Security Organization (PSO) currently has no information regarding threats or demonstrations relating to this issue. 4. (S/NF) RSO advised that the Ministry of Interior (MOI) does not foresee a major threat emanating from the assassination of Sheikh Yassin but assured RSO that the MOI would inform the Embassy immediately if a threat was recognized. Furthermore, RSO briefed on two March 22 incidents that were possibly, but not definitely, linked to the assassination, citing a gathering of university students in northwest Sanaa and the temporary closing of Tahrir Square in downtown Sanaa by ROYG authorities. 5. (S/NF) RSO expanded the focus on threats beyond the assassination, mentioning: 1) the development of Islah party members' ill will toward Jibla Hospital expatriate workers who volunteered medical and teaching services at a Jibla school. The services were withdrawn March 12th to placate those Islah party members who perceived the Jibla Hospital staff's volunteerism as supporting the ruling General People's Congress party; 2) improvised explosive devices found in Amran, Yemen, thought to be linked to labor disputes with a Japanese-owned cement plant; and 3) rumors about two vehicular bombs in Sanaa. RSO and ORCA Chief shared the assessment that the rumors about the vehicular bombs are false. -------------------------- Ethiopian Refugee Clarification -------------------------- 6. (S/NF) DCM discussed the Ethiopian refugee protest that occurred outside UNHCR (adjacent to DCMR) on 03/19/2004. DCM clarified that this is a refugee and immigration issue, not one of security, and in no way involves the United States. RSO added that based on this issue, the MOI reiterated its desire to receive riot control training. Ambassador advised that MOI's request made INL's pending offer of such training especially timely. -------------------------- Post Advisory Actions -------------------------- 7. (S/NF) Consul stated that the Embassy issued a Warden message that morning, advising U.S. citizens of the possibility for large demonstrations to be held in Sanaa and thus to take necessary precautions. Correspondingly, Ambassador raised the Yassin assassination issue at a Wardens meeting convened following the conclusion of the EAC meeting. EAC advised Embassy employees, and Ambassador reiterated in the subsequent meeting with American community wardens, that it is a good time for Americans to lower their profile and exercise maximum caution. HULL |