SANAA EAC MEETING 03/24/2004

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 000685

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: 03/24/2014
TAGS: AMGT ASEC PREL PTER EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 03/24/2004

REF: SECSTATE 64477

Classified By: RSO Tim Laas, for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).

Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull, for reasons 1.5
(B) and (D)


1. (C) Begin Summary: The Ambassador convened an EAC
meeting on March 24th, 2004, to review the security
situation in regard to potential tensions in the region as
a result of the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. EAC
members noted no specific threats but recommended that the
American community lower its profile over the weekend due
to the potential for harsh rhetoric Friday within local
mosques. The Embassy issued a warden message warning the
American community to lower its profile and avoid non-
essential travel. This week the RSO conducted and Embassy
wide duck and cover and safe haven drill, along with an
emergency notification exercise. RSO assets will monitor
the streets of Sanaa for potential security problems over
the next several days. The American community remains in
a high state of security awareness even in the absence of
specific threat against Americans or the Embassy. Key
offices and personnel represented included: CONS, DAO, FPD,
MSG, MO, OMC, ORCA, PD, POL/ECON, SOCE-Yemen, and RSO
END SUMMARY.



2. (C) Ambassador referred EAC members to a Department
of State threat advisory explaining that the death of
Palestinian Hamas leader Sheikh Yassin has caused
significant upheaval throughout the Middle East and that
various groups may seize on this event to conduct attacks
particularly in the occupied territories, and possibly in
other locations within the Middle East and North Africa.
The recent threat advisory also stated that Hamas has
implicated the United States in Sheik Hassin's
assassination and has called on Muslims to retaliate
against Americans which would indicate a significant
departure from in message for Palestinian terrorist groups.


3. (C) The DCM noted that recent government sponsored
demonstrations did not contain inflammatory speeches
denouncing the United States and there were no calls to
target Americans.


4. (C) RSO indicated that the government has expressed
its concern about the security situation at the Embassy and
that senior members of the Central Security Organization
(CSO) have recently visited the Embassy to personally
inspect the perimeter. The RSO also conveyed to the
Ministry of the Interior (MOI) the Embassy's need for
increased vigilance at the Sheraton Hotel, the Yemen
American Language Institute (YALI),and Haddah Compound.
Managers responsible for security of YALI, Haddah compound
and the Sheraton Hotel have been briefed on the security
situation.


5. (C) Community members participated in an emergency
notification exercise using the emergency and evacuation
radio network and telephone tree. Additionally, the entire
Embassy participated in a duck and cover drill and
safe haven training exercise during the week of March 21-27,

2004.


6. (U) SEPTEL reports media and ROYG reaction to the
Yassim assassination.


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Post Advisory Actions
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6. (C) Following the EAC meeting the Embassy issued a
warden message mirroring the State Department travel
restriction announcement for civilian travelers to the
region. The EAC members agreed that Embassy sponsored trips
should be postponed until after Friday's religious services
when the security situation will be reevaluated. The
Ambassador advised Embassy personnel to maintain a low
profile, avoid mosques and large gatherings, and minimize
their movements over the weekend.

HULL