EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/01/2005

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000886 SIPDIS NOFORN DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI DEPT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/CC, DS/DSS/OSAC, CA/OCS E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/01/2005 REF: A. MUSCAT 0858 ¶B. SECSTATE 098228 Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michael G. Snowden. Reason: 1.4 (c). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The CDA chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on June 1 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to 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 FPCON remain appropriate. End Summary. -------------- Security Environment -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On June 1, the CDA chaired a meeting of the core EAC to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. The meeting opened with a discussion of the local security situation, which the EAC continued to characterize as stable. Likewise, the EAC noted no/no new threat reporting specific to Oman. -------------- Terrorist Tactics -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) RSO briefed the EAC on reftel B, regarding evolving vehicle-borne improvised explosive device techniques, and confirmed that the provided tear line was passed to all local guard force (LGF) and surveillance detection (SD) personnel. RSO further confirmed, pursuant to reftel B instructions, that the use of the Embassy's Imminent Danger Notification System is routinely reviewed with LGF and SD personnel, most recently during the May 29 unannounced Embassy-wide "Duck and Cover" drill (reftel A) - initiated by a local guard. -------------- Sustained Vigilance -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO reiterated that members of the EAC must continue reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need for vigilance regarding all aspects of personal security. RSO further re-emphasized the importance of immediately reporting all suspicious activity or security-related incidents to Post One. -------------- EAC Conclusion -------------- ¶5. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting held on May 29 (reftel A). 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. CDA, A/DCM, RSO (Duty Officer),RMAS, PAO, CONS, OMC (USDR),and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. STEWART