TFLE01: LEBANON EVACUATION: MERSIN/ADANA/INCIRLIK

UNCLAS ANKARA 004252 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR CA/OCS AND CA/EX DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/EX/PMO/DL DEPARTMENT PASS TASK FORCE ONE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR CASC EWWT PREL CMGT MOPS US TU SUBJECT: TFLE01: LEBANON EVACUATION: MERSIN/ADANA/INCIRLIK - MISSION TURKEY READY TO GO REF: A. ANKARA 4154 ¶B. SECSTATE 7843 ¶C. DCM-TASK FORCE 7/20 TELCON ¶D. ANKARA 4200 ¶E. TASK FORCE 7/20 TASKING E-MAIL ¶F. ANKARA 4234 ¶1. (U) By evening 7/21 local time, Mission Turkey will have staffed up in Mersin and Incirlik Air Base to accommodate AmCits evacuating Lebanon. As of 7/22 we will be capable of processing the 1400 pax expected on the Rahmah. We understand TDY consular and management assistance is en route; we very much appreciate the help. Incirlik staff and facilities are well able to accommodate evacuee needs. Fully staffed, we will be able to handle 2000-2500/day. ¶2. (U) Arrivals: Late 7/20, 24 AmCits, 4 green card holders and one Lebanese with 2 AmCit children arrived in Mersin on a Canadian-chartered fast ferry. We understand that two more Canadian-chartered ferries will arrive between 2100-2300 local 7/21, followed by two high speed catamarans. We are not aware at this point that any AmCits are on board, but will continue to be in touch with Canadian colleagues and are prepared in the event Amcits are on board. We expect the arrival late afternoon/early evening 7/22 local time of the Rahmah with approximately 1400 Amcits on board. ¶3. (U) Outbound flights: We understand chartered aircraft will arrive at Incirlik July 22 and 23 with capacity to transport the 1400 expected evacuees. Additional charter capacity will be essential as subsequent vessels arrive in Mersin so we do not exceed 2000-2500 on Incirlik at any one time. ¶4. (U) Visa requirements and customs issues: To the extent it is possible, in advance of debarkation, to get passenger manifests with names, passport numbers, dob and nationality, it will greatly facilitate Turkish customs/passport formalities. We are working with GOT officials to plus up the number of customs officials at portside for arrival, as well as at Incirlik for departure. ¶5. (U) Crisis Action Team (CAT): As of 1730 local 7/21, Embassy Ankara will have a CAT room staffed 24/7 to deal with incoming task force calls and other evacuation-related issues. Embassy number: 90-312-455-5555, ext 2173 or 2174; fax: 90-312-468-6138; opennet e-mail address collective: ankara-cat-dl@state.gov. Please include this e-mail collective on any communications relating to the evacuation. ¶6. (U) TSA requirements: Incirlik reports they are getting 6 Air Marshals and that their port PAX terminal is fully compliant and capable of screening luggage and processing for the onward movement. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON