MOI ALIMI DISCUSSES OIL TERMINAL SECURITY AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002912

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/05/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER MASS YM MARITIME SECURITY ENERGY
SUBJECT: MOI ALIMI DISCUSSES OIL TERMINAL SECURITY AND
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

REF: A. SANAA 01377

B. SANAA YM 071445Z

Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d.


1. (C) Summary: In a October 3 meeting with Ambassador and
Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) Chief, Interior Minister
Rashad Alimi discussed security arrangements for the Safer
oil terminal and the transfer of protection duties to the
Yemen Coast Guard (YCG). Alimi stated that the YCG, a
Ministry of Interior (MOI) organization, would not begin
continuous patrols until responsibilities were clearly
delineated with the Ministry of Defense (MOD),which is
currently responsible for protecting the Safer. Ambassador
also requested Alimi's support for the installation of a
USG-sponsored communications system between MOD and MOI
forces involved in counter-terrorism operations. End Summary.

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Safer Oil Tanker Security
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2. (C) Ambassador opened the meeting with Alimi by
inquiring when the YCG would assume primary responsibility
for protection of the Safer oil platform, operated by Yemen
Hunt Oil. The YCG appears ready to provide increased
security patrols, he continued, with the establishment of an
operating base in nearby Salif Port. (Note: The Safer is a
stationary tanker located 9 kilometers offshore and
approximately 35 kilometers north-northwest from Hodeidah
Port. The tanker serves as a storage and transfer facility
for approximately 30 percent of Yemen's annual oil wealth).


3. (C) Alimi replied that certain issues must be resolved
before MOD will allow the Yemen Navy to transfer
responsibility for maritime protection of the Safer to the
YCG. According to Alimi, MOD believes YCG should also take
over coastal land defense from the Yemen Army, which Alimi
opposes. Alimi added that additional boats must first be
deployed to the Salif base before operations could begin.
Even with additional boats, Alimi contended that patrols of
the Safer could not begin for another five to six months when
rough sea conditions subside.


4. (C) Comment: Protecting the Safer is instrumental to
Yemen's economic and political security. It is also the most
vulnerable highly profile target in the country. Currently,
the Yemen Navy remains responsible for maritime protection of
the Safer, but ROYG intends to transfer responsibility to the
more capable YCG, which has developed into a professional and
capable force with assistance from the Foreign Military
Financing program. The transfer had been stalled due to a
commercial dispute with a prominent local businessman who was
blocking the creation of an operating base (ref A). Even
after the
issue was resolved in July (ref B),it appears that other
obstacles remain. YCG officials informed post earlier that
they were willing and able to assume responsibility. Despite
Alimi's protestations of rough seas, it appears that the
rivalry between MOD and MOI forces is preventing YCG from
assuming full control over the Safer's security. End Comment.

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Point-to-Point Wireless Communication System
--------------


5. (C) Ambassador also requested Alimi's support in
completing the point-to-point wireless system that will link
MOI and MOD forces involved in counter-terrorism operations.
The CJTF-HOA sponsored project will link MOI headquarters,
Central Security Forces (an MOI organization that contains
Yemen's premier counter-terrorism unit) the
YCG, and the Yemen Air Force (which provides helicopter
support to MOI forces). Ambassador noted that the hardware
had already been installed within the various organizations
but stressed that the system would not be operational until
post received the necessary approval to install the required
connecting fiber optics and antennas. Alimi promised to
provide a MOI point of contact to assist in coordinating the
approvals.


6. (C) Comment: While all the necessary equipment is already
in-country, the project is stalled for reasons that remain
unclear. Whatever the source of opposition is within the
ROYG, Alimi's support will be crucial for coordinating the
installation with relevant security agencies and President
Saleh. MOI's willingness to help secure the necessary
approvals is a step forward in installing a communication
system that will significantly improve MOI's ability to
coordinate counter-terrorism operations. End Comment.
Krajeski