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