EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 04/26/2006

1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on April 26 to assess the
Embassy's overall security posture. 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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Security Environment


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2. (SBU) On April 26, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of
the core EAC to assess the Embassy's overall security
posture. The meeting opened with a discussion of the local
security situation, which the EAC continued to characterize
as stable. Apart from a recent residential break-in attempt
(see paragraph 3), members cited no other recent security
incidents among their staffs or family members, while CONS
confirmed that there have been no reported security incidents
or security-related queries from the private American citizen
community. The EAC noted no/no new threat reporting specific
to Oman.



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Residential Security


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3. (SBU) ARSO discussed lessons learned regarding an April
22 opportunity-driven crime; specifically, an attempted
break-in of an Embassy employee's residence. In short,
members were reminded of the need for all personnel to lock
their gates, doors, and windows any time they leave their
homes, and to ensure that they activate their perimeter
lighting after dark. ARSO further reminded the EAC to ensure
distribution the latest security notice on residential
security.



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Emergency Preparedness


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4. (SBU) In conjunction with the EAC's ongoing discussions
on emergency preparedness, members agreed to an unannounced
Embassy-wide "Internal Defense" drill to be held in the near
future. ARSO advised that a security notice will precede the
drill.



5. (SBU) Members also took the opportunity to discuss
chemical/biological readiness, with the Ambassador observing
that a refresher training session relevant to the topic would
benefit all personnel. ARSO advised the EAC that, in
addition to internal training, the Security Office is
currently working with Diplomatic Security's Office of
Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programs to secure WMD First
Responder training for local law enforcement (reftel B).



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Sustained Vigilance


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6. (SBU) Prior to concluding the meeting, ARSO reiterated
that members of the EAC must continue reinforcing to both
their staffs and family members the need for vigilance
regarding all aspects of personal security - to include
maintaining a low profile, and remaining unpredictable and
situationally aware.



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EAC Conclusion


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7. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no
substantive changes in the local security environment since
the last meeting held on April 19 (reftel A). 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 (Duty Officer), MGT, ARSO, SIMO, PAO,
CONS, DAO, OMC (USDR), and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the
meeting.
GRAPPO