Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA563
2008-11-26 09:31:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
POSSIBLE IRANIAN SUBMARINE IN ASSAB
how-toR 260931Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0031 INFO AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI AMEMBASSQ QDDIS ABABA AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI AMEMBASSY LONDON AMEMBASSY PARIS AMCONSUL DUBAI CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL CIA WASHDC CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ COMUSNAVCENT DIA WASHDC HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL ONI TAC WASHINGTON DC SECDEF WASHDC
S E C R E T ASMARA 000563
NOFORN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR,
AF/E, LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/26/2028
TAGS: MOPS PGOV PREL ASEC ER IR
SUBJECT: POSSIBLE IRANIAN SUBMARINE IN ASSAB
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
S E C R E T ASMARA 000563
NOFORN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR,
AF/E, LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/26/2028
TAGS: MOPS PGOV PREL ASEC ER IR
SUBJECT: POSSIBLE IRANIAN SUBMARINE IN ASSAB
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
¶1. (S/NF) An Iranian submarine was reportedly sighted in the
port city of Assab on 11/24/08. A reliable embassy source
obtained this information on 11/25/08 from a contact who
belongs to an unknown Eritrean Army intelligence unit based
in Assab. The contact said the submarine visit is widely
known in his unit. The friend did not know why the submarine
was in Assab, when it arrived, when it would leave, but did
state it "was armed." On 11/26/08, the Eritrean government
opposition website www.asenai.com also reported an Iranian
submarine "armed with missiles" had visited Assab.
¶2. (S/NF) Post Comments: This information has not been
corroborated. Post earlier heard that the Assab harbor is
silted-in and needs to be dredged to make it a viable port
and allow the entrance of ships.
MCMULLEN