Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05SANAA1970
2005-07-21 12:13:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Sanaa
Cable title:  

SANAA EAC MEETING 07/20/2005.

Tags:  AMGT ASEC PREL PTER EAC 
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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 001970 

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: 07/20/2015
TAGS: AMGT ASEC PREL PTER EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 07/20/2005.

Classified By: CDA Nabeel Khoury, for reasons 1.5
(B) and (D)

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 001970

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: 07/20/2015
TAGS: AMGT ASEC PREL PTER EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 07/20/2005.

Classified By: CDA Nabeel Khoury, for reasons 1.5
(B) and (D)


1. (S) BEGIN SUMMARY: The Charge convened two EAC
meetings on July 20th, 2005, to discuss security concerns
with regard to unrest in Sanaa as a result of the
removing of subsidies for basic staples. Vandalism and
rioting have broken out throughout the city and host
government security forces are on a high state of alert.
EAC members noted no specific threats against the American
community at this time. A Warden message was issued by
the Embassy and a travel warning was issued advising
Americans to defer non-essential travel to and inside
Yemen. RSO assets continue to monitor the streets of Sanaa
for potential security problems over the next several
days. The American community remains on a high state of
security alert and Embassy employees have been advised to
remain home during this weekend. Key offices and personnel
represented included: DAO, FPD, RMAS, CONS, OMC, POL/ECON,
and RSO. END SUMMARY.



2. (C) Charge reviewed today's unrest in Yemen
sparked by the lifting of subsidies resulting in
price increases. At 0900 hours Embassy Surveillance
Detection Units (SD),Local Guard Force (LGF) members
and Embassy employees began reporting the clustering
of angry crowds numbering from 500 to 2000 people at
most major intersections in Sanaa. At two EAC meetings
held at 1400 and 1615 hours EAC members shared witness
reports of unrest throughout the country to include:
Robberies and the burning of houses, looting and random
acts of vandalism to include the ransacking of local
stores, the overturning of vehicles and the destruction
of Western restaurants, Smoke pillars were visible
throughout the city. Roads in the city have been blocked
by burning tires, large stones, collapsed telephone poles
and dumpsters. Shots have been fired throughout Sanaa.
There have been no reports of AMCIT fatalities. However,
the National Security Bureau (NSB)is reporting three
civilian (3) fatalities and members of the Ministry of
the Interior (MOI) have reported the death of six (6)
soldiers of the Central Security Force (CSF). Also
reported but not confirmed are the deaths of ten (10)
people rioting in front of the Presidential Palace.
Several attacks on government installations and corporate
buildings have been confirmed to include the Yemen Central
Bank and the Spacetel cellular phone corporation. Several
Embassy vehicles have been attacked by rock throwing crowds
and one Embassy fully armored vehicle has been fired on and
hit by one round resulting in no injuries.


3. (C) Yemeni security forces have repeated that they
have the situation under control. Large military trucks
have been seen in Sanaa carrying fifty to seventy five
troops each equipped with batons, face shields, and gas guns
to dispense tear gas. A crowd of 200 protesters headed
in the direction of the AMEmbassy was successfully blocked
and redirected by CSF and MOI troops. RSO requested and
received additional security assets from the MOI. Host
nation forces have bolstered the number of soldiers
guarding the Embassy perimeter.

--------------
Post Actions
--------------


4. (C) All permanent Embassy staff members and TDYers
have been accounted for. The Charge has informed the
department and the Embassy has issued a Warden message
advising the community of the situation. An additional
travel advisory will be issued warning Americans to avoid
travel to Yemen for the next 72 hours. TDY personnel will
be contacted not to come to Post at this time. Embassy
staff are currently being escorted home by host nation
security forces. Embassy employees are being asked to
remain home this weekend and to remain alert for messages
over the Embassy emergency message system. RSO is in
contact with multiple government and corporate contacts
regarding today's events will monitoring Sanaa over the
weekend particularly after Fridays prayers for any signs of
continuing unrest.

5. (C) The core EAC will remain in communication over the
weekend to assess developments.

Khoury