DCM VISITS MUKALLA, ENCOURAGES SUPPORT FOR COAST

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 002531

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER MASS ENRG YM MARITIME SECURITY
SUBJECT: DCM VISITS MUKALLA, ENCOURAGES SUPPORT FOR COAST
GUARD EXPANSION

REF: A. SANAA YM 311523Z

B. EAST BAHRA 050639Z

C. SANAA YM 071445Z

Classified By: DCM Nabeel Khoury for reasons 1.4 b and d.


1. (C) On August 30, DCM visited the eastern port city of
Mukalla to encourage regional support for the planned
expansion of the Yemeni Coast Guard (YCG). In meetings with
the Hadramaut governor, MOI Chief of Security, and Eastern
Military Region Deputy Commander, DCM stressed the importance
of establishing new Coast Guard bases within the next several
years as a means to combat smuggling and encourage economic
development in the Hadramaut governorate. While voicing
support for increased YCG operations, regional leaders also
expressed concern that opposition from well-connected
individuals could hinder expansion. Office of Military
Cooperation (OMC) Chief, a UK navy representative, and a
senior YCG official also accompanied DCM.

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Hadramaut Governor: Coast Guard Urgently Needed
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2. (C) Governor Abdulqadir Hilal expressed support for YCG
expansion into the Hadramaut region, saying an increased
security presence was needed to combat pervasive SA/LW
smuggling along the mostly unregulated coastline. Currently,
he continued, we must rely on voluntary information provided
by fishermen to monitor illicit activity. Hilal hoped the
YCG bases could be completed in the near future.


3. (C) DCM thanked him for his support and explained that a
technical assessment would be the next step to determine
suitable base locations. Hilal expected the public would be
receptive to a YCG presence, but anticipated certain
"technical problems" with establishing the bases and
expanding patrols. DCM anticipated political challenges
could be overcome, stressing that President Saleh already
issued direct orders to MOI and MOD to support base
construction. The YCG expansion plan must be implemented, he
continued, and should not be derailed by vested individual
interests. (Note: "Technical problems" was a tongue-in-cheek
reference to the powerful Eastern Region Military Commander,
BG Mohammed Ali Mohsen, who is reportedly opposed to YCG
expansion (ref A.)

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MOI Security Director: We Want Boats Now!
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4. (C) Hadramaut Director of Security BG Ahmed Mohammed
Al-Hamdi looked forward to YCG's arrival, saying limited
resources prevent the control of pervasive SA/LW smuggling
and illegal immigration. Al-Hamdi agreed that the expansion
plan must be implemented and assured the DCM that YCG would
have his full support. Hadramaut is ready now, he added,
saying the governorate could would welcome the immediate
deployment of ships instead of waiting for the technical
assessment to be completed. The Navy warships currently
patrolling the area are "too heavy," Al-Hamdi complained,
saying that light YCG patrol boats would greatly improve
coastal security.


5. (C) Royal Navy Representative Giles Hatch stressed the
need for coordination between all security authorities,
saying any successful attempt to thwart smuggling requires a
unified effort between coastal and land based security
forces. Al-Hamdi expressed satisfaction with the current
state of coordination with the Navy, citing the success of
joint operations during the May national day celebration in
Mukalla. He also said the presence of representatives from
the various military and civilian organizations tasked with
security at the MOI operations center in Mukalla helps
facilitate information sharing. (Note: While national day
celebrations were held without incident, the joint YCG-Navy
security operation was marred when the Navy, according to
sources, intentionally rammed a YCG vessel.)

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Deputy Regional Commander: Welcome CG Brothers, but ....
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6. (C) Deputy Commander of the Eastern Military Region, BG
Naser Al-Thahry, a last minute replacement for Commander Ali
Mohsen who traveled to Sanaa, said the military welcomed
cooperation with the YCG and would provide any assistance
necessary to establish new bases. "We will support YCG," he
said but pointed out the "excellent" security measures
established by MOD to safeguard the Canadian Nexen terminal
in Mukalla (ref B) following the October 2002 Limburg attack.
Al-Thahry said MOD did not oppose YCG expansion, but warned
that weather conditions created "real" problems with
completing the plan. (Note: MOD officials are jealous of the
foreign assistance to the YCG (under MOI leadership) and
worry about having additional scrutiny of some of their own
illegal activities on the coast.)

7. (C) DCM emphasized the importance of completing the
expansion plan, saying the security of the country was too
important to allow bureaucratic or personal interests to
block the plan's implementation. No one organization can
protect the border alone, he continued, making coordination,
not hoarding of authority, essential. OMC Chief promised to
work with the Regional Commander and MOD to improve the
Navy's capacity as well.

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Comment

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8. (C) DCM's trip followed a successful OMC visit to Shabwa
governorate, another proposed site for YCG expansion. Given
past experience with local opposition to new YCG bases in
Hodeida (ref C),the trip provided a valuable opportunity to
demonstrate the seriousness of USG support for the expansion
plan. While the positive reception was encouraging, the
reported opposition of Commander Ali Mohsen, a powerful
political player with vested economic interests across the
region, will likely be the biggest potential roadblock to
expanding the YCG's responsibility for maritime security.


9. (C) Post will continue to push the ROYG at the highest
levels to secure MOD support for YCG expansion. An increased
YCG presence along the largely uncontrolled Hadramaut
coastline would be a significant step forward in stemming
SA/LW smuggling. In addition to smuggling, a secure
coastline is essential to protecting the oil rich region from
an economically devastating terrorist attack, especially with
the planned construction of a LNG terminal 150 km west of
Mukalla.
Krajeski