HONDURAN RESPONSE TO JAYSH AL-MAHDI VIOLENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEGUCIGALPA 000804 SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/RSAT AND PM/PMAT STATE FOR WHA/PPC AND WHA/CEN JOINT STAFF FOR INMA COALITION AFFAIRS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/05/2014 TAGS: PREL MOPS MARR IZ HO SUBJECT: HONDURAN RESPONSE TO JAYSH AL-MAHDI VIOLENCE AGAINST COALITION IN IRAQ REF: STATE 74537 Classified By: Ambassador Larry L. Palmer; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Post delivered reftel demarche to Honduran Minister of Defense Federico Breve (MOD) and to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Anibal Quinonez on April 5. MOD Breve had already contacted Deputy Chief of Mission earlier that day to request that the U.S. provide his office with more/better information concerning the recent developments in/around the Najaf area of Iraq. DCM told Breve that he would provide more information as it became available. MOD also stated that contrary to recent Honduran press reports, no Honduran soldiers have been reported injured in the latest round of violence. MILGP is coordinating with CENTCOM on how to respond to Breve's request. ¶2. (U) Minimize considered. PALMER