MASERU TERRORISM INFORMATION

S E C R E T MASERU 000015

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1/10/2016
TAGS: ASEC PTER LT
SUBJECT: MASERU TERRORISM INFORMATION

REF: (A) MASERU-RSO EMAIL 1/6/06 (B) MASERU-RSO EMAIL 1/9/06 (C) AMB-RSO TELCON 1/10/06

CLASSIFIED BY: JUNE CARTER PERRY, AMBASSADOR, EXEC, STATE.
REASON: 1.4 (c)

CLASSIFIED BY: JUNE CARTER PERRY, AMBASSADOR, EXEC, STATE.
REASON: 1.4 (c)


1. (S/NF) On January 6, Post Security Officer was advised by a
cleared American employee that a "good acquaintance" had claimed
to her that people who work at or own a pizza restaurant
"Mediterranean" in downtown Maseru are heavily associated with
Middle-East terrorism. The term "Al-Qaida" was used. As
requested by the individual who passed the information to her,
the U.S. employee would not reveal that person's name. The
employee described the person as very frightened. PSO advised
DCM and Ambassador and sent report to RSO (ref A) with request
for advice on next steps.


2. (S/NF) Related to this incident is the fact that an Amcit
Peace Corps contract employee (medical officer) recently and
suddenly married the owner of the restaurant. The owner's name
is "Magida" and he is Tunisian. PSO was advised that since the
PC employee is on contract, she did not require a clearance for
the marriage.


3. (S/NF) Ambassador followed up with RSO Gaborone (ref B) upon
his return to post to express interest in a visit. RSO has
scheduled January 27 trip to Maseru to conduct interviews. COM
met with American Embassy employee January 9 regarding her
conversation with the "acquaintance" whom the employee
characterized as possibly blowing "hot air." Employee also
indicated that Middle Easterners own many businesses in Lesotho
including in Maseru and in Mafeteng to the south. Ambassador
also met with PC security officer January 10 and he confirmed
that the PC contractor had, to PC's knowledge, married quickly
and surprised those around her. The PC security officer said he
had followed procedure and had spoken with the contractor who
according to him, "fit a profile" of some American women in this
situation.


4. (S/NF) In January 10 telcon with RSO, COM asked if visit to
post could be made earlier than January 27 in order for RSO to
meet with Embassy employee and Peace Corps contractor but it was
indicated that January 27 would be the first available
opportunity. RSO also stated that his offices in the Department
did not have any reason to believe organizations such as
Al-Qaida existed in Lesotho. Comment: Post reported to
Washington in (05 Maseru 523) that the South African High
Commissioner had expressed his government's concern that
Al-Qaida operatives had moved across the border into Lesotho.
End Comment.


5. (S/NF) Post wishes to have full investigation and interviews
conducted as quickly and thoroughly as possible to assess
credibility of information passed and to ensure all measures
have been taken to provide for the safety and security of all
USG employees as well as the two who have contacts with the
individual informant or a family member.

PERRY