ALGIERS CORE EAC REVIEWS LATEST BOMBINGS AND

S E C R E T ALGIERS 000663

NOFORN
TERREP

DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, DSS/OSAC, NEA/MAG, NEA/EX
AND CA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2028
TAGS: AG ASEC CASC PTER
SUBJECT: ALGIERS CORE EAC REVIEWS LATEST BOMBINGS AND
DISCUSSES TRADE FAIR

Classified By: Ambassador Robert S. Ford for reason 1.4 (d) and (g).


1. (S/NF) Summary: The Core EAC met on June 5, 2008 to
discuss the double bombings that occurred on June 4 and to
determine what implications, if any, this incident has on the
upcoming International Trade Fair being held from June 7-13
at the SAFEX Exhibition Palace in Algiers. Present for the
meeting were AMB, RSO, GRPO, POLEC, LEGAT, PAO and CONS. The
EAC concluded that Post's current heightened security posture
is adequate for the current threat and that American Embassy
participation in the Trade Fair should continue as planned
due to the already extremely high level of security
surrounding the event. End Summary.


2. (S/NF) GRPO shared with the EAC information on the attacks
obtained from Government of Algeria (GOA) security sources.
GRPO explained that both bombings were caused by
explosive-laden belts worn by the attackers. The attackers,
both males, entered a cafe across from a Republican Guard
barracks located in the Borj El Kiffan area of Algiers
(approximately 10-12 km from the city center) at
approximately 1630 hours. The first bomber attempted to
enter the main gate of the barracks at 1645 but was shot by
guards at the entrance and his explosive belt detonated. The
second bomber's belt detonated inside the cafe but it is
still unclear whether he blew himself up, the bomb was
triggered by a remote device, or it exploded accidentally.
Both of the attackers were males and the attack was believed
to have been carried out by Al Qaeda in the Lands of Islamic
Maghreb (AQIM) although no official claim of responsibility
has been released. GRPO reminded the EAC that there is still
no direct, credible threat to US interests in Algeria.


3. (S/NF) RSO briefed the EAC on the current security posture
around the Embassy and informed the group that as of 1045
hours on June 5, the police around the Embassy were stopping
and searching all vehicles traveling on Chemin Cheikh Bachir
El Ibrahimi Road, the main street in front of the Embassy and
Ambassador's Residence (EMR) and they were also stopping and
searching pedestrians carrying backpacks or bags. GRPO also
added that his security sources informed him that the police
would be stopping and searching all vehicles and pedestrians
at police checkpoints throughout the city for an undetermined
period of time. RSO further explained that the bombings
occurred in a neighborhood in eastern Algiers, an area of the
city that is not frequented by official Americans and the
target was clearly a symbolic GOA installation. The members
of the Core EAC agreed that the Embassy's current heightened
state of security and limited movement policy was consistent
with the threat level in Algiers and no change was needed as
a result of these latest bombings.


4. (SBU) The EAC next discussed the International Trade Fair
slated to open on June 7 at the SAFEX Exhibition Palace which
is located next to the Hilton Hotel. Saturday's opening,
which President Bouteflika is scheduled to attend, is not
open to the public but the Trade Fair will be open to the
public from June 8-13. US Embassy staff (American and local
employees) will operate a booth inside the American pavilion
every day of the event. RSO briefed the EAC on the security
coordination that the RSO office has been doing with the
operators of the Trade Fair and explained that the American
pavilion, which will be shared by American, Canadian and
Mexican businesses, will be secured by a contract security
company that has agreed to all of the RSO recommendations.
The EAC concluded that security for the Trade Fair was
already extremely high and is likely to increase given the
timing of the latest bombings and their proximity to the
event (approximately 4 km). EAC saw no reason why the
American Embassy cannot fully participate in the event absent
any further threat information or attacks in Algiers. There
will be an opening reception at the EMR on June 6 which will
be attended by approximately 250 guests. RSO has been
coordinating security for the event and will reaffirm that
the local police around the EMR and Embassy were made aware
of the reception.


5. (SBU) The EAC agreed that the RSO should re-distribute
several security notices reminding employees about the

importance of self-security awareness, surveillance and
surveillance recognition. The EAC also recommended that the
RSO prepare a map with all major police stations and military
installations located in Algiers so Embassy employees can be
aware of their locations and their potential as targets when
planning their activities. A Town Hall meeting will be held
within the next week.
FORD