ADDIS ABABA EAC MEETING TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE THREAT

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003050 SENSITIVE DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, AF/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: ADDIS ABABA EAC MEETING TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE THREAT OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN ETHIOPIA ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On November 5, 2008 the Addis Ababa EAC convened to discuss the heightened security posture of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) in response to the possible threat of a terrorist attack in Ethiopia. Members present include: COM, DCM, CLO, CON, MGMT, PAO, DAO, OBO, POL/ECON, RSO, USAID, ORA and the United States Mission to the African Union. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) On November 5, 2008 the EAC convened to discuss the heightened security posture of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) in response to the increased threat of terrorist attacks. RSO briefed EAC that GOE noticeably increased security in Addis Ababa after the Joint Task Force of the National Intelligence Security Service (NISS) and the Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP) issued a warning, on November 4, 2008, through Ethiopian media warning the public to increase their vigilance against possible terrorist attacks. The statement also encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or threats to safety via numerous telephone numbers (011-552-4077, 011-552-6306, 011-157-2121 or 911). Within Addis Ababa EFP have increased their presence throughout the city and have supplemented their coverage of large hotels, to include the Hilton and Sheraton, the airport and other facilities. Hotel security at both the Hilton and Sheraton have implemented screening of all vehicles and at the Sheraton have utilized SUV's to block entrances while vehicles are being screened. EFP have reportedly also conducted random street and neighborhood searches. However, the GOE warning did not specify timing, target/s or method of potential attack/s. Note: Within the days following the October 29, 2008 bombings in Hargeysa and Puntland, the EFP arrested over twenty-five individuals described as "extremist elements" by EFP in the Bethel, Asko and Lukanda neighborhoods of Addis Ababa. There are unconfirmed reports of weapons and explosives being seized during these arrests. End Note. ¶3. (SBU) EAC members agree that the Mission's security posture continues to be appropriate for current environment, although RSO has requested an increase in EFP support in and around Mission facilities. Note: On November 4, 2008 RSO completed an intruder drill with LGF and MSG using a scenario that incorporated tactics employed in the October 29th bombings in Hargeysa and Puntland. Additionally, RSO has conducted duck-and-cover drills at USAID, CDC and scheduled to conduct a drill at Peace Corps. End Note. EAC members discussed the Marine Ball scheduled on November 15, 2008 and deferred any action until after RSO, MSG and NISS/EFP walk-thru scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2008. EAC would also re-evaluate Mission personnel participation in the upcoming Great Ethiopian Run scheduled for November 23, 2008. The EAC agreed to issue a warden message, informing the public about the GOE's increase in security in response to the threat of terrorist attack in Ethiopia. Concurrently, RSO will issue security notice reminding Mission staff to increase personal security measures in response to GOE's current security precautions. ¶4. (SBU) Post will continue to monitor the situation and report accordingly. YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO