EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/20/2005

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001288

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI, NEA/EX
DEPT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/DSS/CC, CA/OCS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1
TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/20/2005

REF: A. SECSTATE 153834

B. MUSCAT 1279

C. MUSCAT 1064

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission William R. Stewart.
Reason: 1.4(b)(c)(d)(g).

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Summary
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1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) on August 20 to review the Embassy's
security posture following the local weekend. Members noted
no substantive changes in the local security environment
since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the
Embassy's already heightened security posture and force
protection condition (FPCON) remain appropriate. End Summary.

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Security Environment
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2. (SBU) On August 20, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of
the full EAC to review the Embassy's security posture
following the local weekend. The meeting opened with a
discussion of the local security situation, which the EAC
continued to characterize as stable. Members, including Duty
Officer, cited no security incidents among their staffs or
family members over the weekend, while CONS confirmed that
there were no reported security incidents or security-related
queries from the private American citizen community.

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TAISM
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3. (SBU) In conjunction with a review of upcoming community
events, RSO noted that security preparations are underway for
The American International School of Muscat's August 25 "Back
to School Picnic," which is expected to host approximately
500 invited guests. The Royal Oman Police Special Task Force
will provide access control and perimeter security for the
duration of the event.

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Terrorist Tactics
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4. (S/NF) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO addressed
reftel A, regarding information that points to a spike in
terrorist targeting of commercial transportation interests
around the world. RSO and SIMO stated that they would have
to research the paragraph 6 reference to potential attacks on
airports in Oman, as that information does not appear
consistent with current threat reporting. (Note: Subsequent
to the EAC meeting, DS/IP/ITA confirmed to the RSO that ref A
para 6 threat information was indeed incorrect and a
correction cable will be issued. End note.) Members also
noted unique conditions in the Sultanate, such as no system
of mass transit (reftel C); however, RSO confirmed that the
information contained in paragraph 14 will be incorporated
into defensive personnel briefings, as applicable.

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EAC Conclusion
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5. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no
substantive changes in the local security environment since
the last meeting held on August 17 (reftel B). Accordingly,
members agreed that the Embassy's already heightened security
posture and FPCON remain appropriate. Embassy Muscat remains
acutely aware of the need to monitor both the regional and
local security and threat environments, and is prepared to
take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either
occur. AMB, DCM, P/E, A/MGT (Duty Officer),RSO, ARSO, SIMO,
PAO, CONS, MSG, CLO, DAO, OMC (USDR),and ECA (USCENTAF)
participated in the meeting.
BALTIMORE