Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05SANAA2778
2005-09-18 14:45:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Sanaa
Cable title:  

SANAA EAC MEETING

Tags:  AEMR ASEC PTER AMGT YM 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 002778 

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA/EX,
NEA/ARPI, CA/OCS, CENTCOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2015
TAGS: AEMR ASEC PTER AMGT YM EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING

REF: A) STATE 165862 AND B) STATE 162859

Classified By: RSO William Mellott for reasons 1.4 (a),(b) and (g)

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 002778

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA/EX,
NEA/ARPI, CA/OCS, CENTCOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2015
TAGS: AEMR ASEC PTER AMGT YM EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING

REF: A) STATE 165862 AND B) STATE 162859

Classified By: RSO William Mellott for reasons 1.4 (a),(b) and (g)


1. (S/NF) On 09/18/05, EAC met to discuss RefTel's A and B.
Members in attendance were AMB, DCM, RSO, POLM, OMC, DAO, MO,
POLE, PD, CONS, LEGATT, AID, AND CCE.


2. (S/NF) Members discussed RefTel A, JEDDAH, Lessons
Learned-Follow Up. RSO specifically addressed para 7, which
directed RSO's to review post security posture and ensure
that issues A-G were reviewed, discussed and incorporated
into post's security plan. RSO briefed the EAC on each
matter, as noted below.


A. T-Guard System: The T-Guard system is currently a part of
the facilities force continuum and is included the EAP, MSG
Guard Orders and MSG Guard School training. RSO will
immediately conduct additional training to ensure all MSG
personnel are aware of their authority to dispense tear gas,
what constitutes exigent circumstances and under what
conditions they may act, without seeking permission from the
chain of command.


B. MSG React Positions: RSO will coordinate with post's
Detachment Commander and review existing react positions to
ensure they provide the highest level of protection for
defenders as well as provide adequate defensive positions for
the protection of the Mission.


C. US/Host Government Security Liaison: RSO, Mission
sections and other agencies at post maintain daily contact
with Host Government Security and Intelligence Officials to
ensure the security of U.S. Embassy personnel and properties.
RSO will review RefTel guidance concerning walk-throughs,
combined exercises and table-top sessions and will coordinate
such activities if the EAC and Senior Management agree it is
in post's best interests. Post currently has an MOU with the
Ministry of Interior to provide armed, 24/7 coverage by a
battalion of ROYG, Ministry of Interior, Central Security
Organization (CSO) para-military forces. The assigned forces
surround the Embassy, covering areas up to 300 meters from

the perimeter. Additionally, all residential and commercial
structures surrounding the Embassy compound are secured by
the Political Security Office (PSO) to reduce the likelihood
of any attack/s from the many rooftops overlooking the
Embassy compound. All Embassy residences are provided
security from the CSO on a 24/7 basis.


D. RSO Participation is MSG React drills and MSG Guard
Schools: RSO only recently arrived at post, but in previous
postings has, at a minimum, attended MSG Guard Schools once a
month and has required ARSO's to attend every session. RSO
and all ARSO's will/do participate in every MSG react drill,
Embassy-Wide Drills and include the Local Guard Force in
those exercises.


E. RSO is scheduling bi-monthly, Embassy-Wide drills that
include all personnel at post. RSO considers Embassy-Wide
Drills an integral part of the post security plan and, upon
arrival this month of two new ARSO's, will kick off an
aggressive drill program. Post enthusiastically supports
active participation by LES in Crisis Management Training and
will continue to do so in the future.


F. MSG Off-Site SPE Storage: MSG/BEQ is located on the
Embassy Compound.


G. RSO continually reviews post security posture,
vulnerabilities, strategies and tactics. RSO is currently
updating the EAP and will include information from RefTel A
in its post defense plan. RSO will review the EAP will all
agencies at post prior to submission.


3. (S/NF) Members discussed the bi-annual Security
Environment Profile Questionnaire and all agreed with the
document as presented by the RSO.


4. (S/NF) EAC members presented several other issues for
discussion during the session.


A. Dependents at post: Post is currently prohibited from
having dependents over 4 years of age and under 21 years of
age at post. In the past six months there has been a
reduction in threat reporting against AmCits and, in the
opinion of the EAC, the atmosphere in Sana'a has calmed and
the city is generally seen as safe. Additionally, the ROYG
has allowed regular official travel to areas once deemed not
secure. This reduction of tension and seemingly relaxed
travel threat prompted the EAC to revisit the issue of
dependents at post. The EAC unanimously agreed to request a
reduction in age from 21 to 18, in order to allow college
aged dependents to visit post during holidays. The RSO would
to provide security briefings to dependents and continuously
monitor the security profile of the city in order that
dependents can enjoy family visitation during holidays.


B. Consular Travel Warning: EAC members agreed to revisit
the Consular Travel Warning during the next EAC, with the
intention of toning down the language of the warning, in
light of recent positive security developments in Sana'a and
the countryside.


C. Weekly Scheduled Meetings: EAC members agreed that the
practice of weekly EAC meetings was unnecessary due to the
reduction in tensions mentioned previously. EAC members
agreed to a scheduled monthly meeting, or as needed meetings
based on local and world events, was prudent.
Krajeski