EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 04/11/2006

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000589

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI, AND NEA/EX
DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/DSS/CC, AND CA/OCS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1
TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KSAC KHLS MU EAC
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 04/11/2006

REF: MUSCAT 0501

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission William R. Stewart.
Reason: 1.4(c)(g).

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Summary
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1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on April 11 to assess the
Embassy's overall security posture prior to the local holiday
weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local
security environment since the last meeting, and agreed that
the Embassy's already heightened security posture and force
protection condition (FPCON) remain appropriate. End Summary.

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Local Security
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2. (SBU) On April 11, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of
the core EAC to assess the Embassy's overall security posture
prior to the local holiday weekend. The meeting opened with
a discussion of the security situation, with members noting
no reports of security incidents among their staffs or family
members. Likewise, the EAC cited no/no new threat reporting
specific to Oman.

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Hotel and TDY Security
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3. (C) Members did, however, take the opportunity to
extensively discuss hotel security, both locally and in
Salalah. Specifically, the EAC agreed that RSO staff, in
close coordination with all Embassy sections, will conduct
updated surveys of relevant hotels, and propose avenues for
mitigating vulnerabilities at each (e.g., identify room
blocks furthest from vehicle access). The EAC also agreed to
begin cross-referencing State and DOD TDY rosters, in an
effort to ensure that lodging is spread out prudently. NOTE:
Salalah lies on the Arabian Sea, approximately 1000
kilometers southwest of Muscat. Host to multiple U.S.
interests, including Department of Homeland Security
personnel at its port, and a military air base in the nearby
city of Thumrait, Salalah and the surrounding region are
important strategic locations within Oman. END NOTE.

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Communications
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4. (SBU) On a related note, the EAC agreed that all TDY'ers
should be required to possess or rent cellular telephones
upon arriving in Oman. To this effect, MGT will update
country clearance language. Further emphasizing the
criticality of effective and redundant communications, the
EAC agreed to secure six additional Thuraya portable phones
for strategic placement and use during in-country travel.

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EAC Conclusion
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5. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no
substantive changes in the local security environment since
the last meeting, held on April 1 (reftel). Accordingly,
members agreed that the Embassy's already heightened security
posture and FPCON remain appropriate. Embassy Muscat remains
acutely aware of the need to monitor both the regional and
local security and threat environments, and is prepared to
take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either
occur. AMB, DCM, P/E, MGT, RSO, ARSO, SIMO, PAO, CONS, OMC
(USDR),and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting.
GRAPPO