EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING - REO BASRAH

S E C R E T BASRAH 000091 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 6/3/2016 TAGS: ASEC PTER PGOV IZ SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING - REO BASRAH CLASSIFIED BY: Mark F. Marrano, Deputy Regional Coordinator, Basrah Regional Embassy Office, Department of State. REASON: 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (SBU) The Deputy Regional Coordinator (DRC) chaired a session of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on June 1 to discuss the security situation in Basrah. The discussion centered on the impact of the Prime Minister's announcement of a state of emergency in Basrah, FSN intimidation, and the indirect fire threat. Attending the meeting were representatives from most agencies at the Regional Embassy Office. ¶2. (SBU) The DRC informed the EAC about the declaration of a "State of Emergency" that the Prime Minister made during his visit to Basrah yesterday. While no immediate impact has been noticed the DRC ordered all agencies to report any change during their normal business in Basrah. The EAC believed that it is too early to understand the implications but will closely monitor the situation. The REO has received reports that the Iraqi Army's 10th Division will have a greater presence in the city but no specifics have been provided. ¶3. (S) The EAC discussed the status of local national worker intimidation. The DRC informed the EAC that a leaflet had been distributed in Basrah that details abuses done by British troops during arrest operations, warns Iraqis to stay away from Coalition vehicles, and threatens any Iraqi who cooperates with Coalition forces. This is the second leaflet produced by a group identified as the "Imam Hussein Brigades." The KBR camp manager informed the EAC that he has experienced a decrease in numbers of his local workers who have reported to work. ¶4. (S) The EAC discussed the indirect fire threat and the impact of British military operations on the insurgents' capability to infiltrate in the area of the REO. The RSO explained that MND SE continues to receive specific threat information against its bases in Basrah. They are conducting extensive patrols to counter the ability of rocket and mortar teams to operate in the area. The EAC's opinion is that it has been effective and will continue to have a positive influence on the REO's ability to conduct business. ¶5. (U) The EAC will monitor events and reconvene as necessary. MARRANO