S E C R E T BASRAH 000177

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DS, DS/ITA/NEA, DS/IP/NEA, P, M, S/CT, CA, INR, NEA/EX

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/29/2016
TAGS: ASEC IZ CMGT
SUBJECT: REO BASRAH EAC MEETING ON 12/29/06

REF: STATE 203664

CLASSIFIED BY: Bryan T. Bachmann, RSO, REO Basrah, Department of
State.
REASON: 1.4 (g)



1. (S) The Regional Coordinator (RC) chaired a meeting of the
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on December 29, 2006, to
discuss impending execution of Saddam Hussein. As per reftel,
the EAC assessed the local reaction and threat in response to
the execution. The EAC along with the British military
counterparts at the Basrah Palace expect celebratory fire
throughout the city. This area of Iraq is historically
anti-Saddam Hussein. The Shia population is expected to be
celebrating upon hearing the news of the execution.


2. (S) Security at the REO Basrah is already at a high state
of alert due to the high volume of Indirect Fire (IDF) and
violence in the city. Mission personnel have been advised to
take precautions (wearing of PPE) against celebratory fire and
remain under hard cover during heavy volleys of machine gun
fire.


3. (S) REO Basrah does not have a consular or ACS unit,
however a duty officer schedule has been established in the
event any Americans arrive at the REO for assistance.

BONO