BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF OCTOBER 3, 2008

S E C R E T BEIRUT 001441 NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR DS/CC; DS/DSS/ITA; DS/IP/NEA; NEA/EX; S/ES POSTS FOR RSO E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2018 TAGS: ASEC CASC LE MOPS PTER SY SUBJECT: BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF OCTOBER 3, 2008 REF: BEIRUT 1414 Classified By: RSO Tom Depenbrock for reason 1.5 (c) ¶1. (S) At 1030 hours of October 3, 2008, DCM convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to discuss the embassy's security posture in light of the latest threat information. The following EAC members were present during the meeting: DCM, POL, RAO, RSO, AID, DAO, ODC, MGMT, CONS, and INL. ¶2. (S) Although embassy Beirut currently operates at a heightened security level, RSO reminded the EAC that there are certain choke points in the area of the embassy that could make us vulnerable to an attack. In an effort to thwart hostile surveillance, RSO announced that the variation of routes to and from the embassy will become even more robust, increasing travel times. RSO updated members of the EAC on the role that the embassy's roving patrol and surveillance detection have on the outer perimeter security of the embassy. ¶3. (S) EAC members agreed to continue with the restriction of travel to Tripoli (reftel) and review this policy next week. ¶4. (S) EAC members discussed upcoming high level visits and events that will be hosted by the embassy within the next week. In particular, they discussed security arrangements for the "Made in America" expo which will be held at the Biel Convention Center from October 9-11. RSO has met with Lebanese Security Officials on several occasions since August and has arranged the following security arrangements: (a) There were several security planning meetings and site visits to the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center (BIEL) in September and October involving the BIEL management and the supervisors of the primary security offices (RSO, RSO/SD, RSO/BG and RSO /FSNI) of the Embassy. At the end of September, the RSO met with General Nabil Merhy ) Head of ISF/Beirut Police, and obtained a commitment for comprehensive ISF support for all necessary security arrangements. Some of the specific arrangements included access for an Embassy FSNI to Beirut Police,s Operations Center, uniformed and plain-clothes ISF officers, EOD technicians and K-9s, traffic control units as well as any additional support the RSO office deems necessary. There are several more security coordination meetings to take place on October 06, 07 and 08, intended to finalize the details and numbers involved. (b) In general, the current security plan establishes three concentric rings of security: Surrounding Area Ring: - This ring consists of the ISF,s Surveillance Detection unit monitoring the areas of approach to BIEL and identifying any possible pre-attack observation of Embassy motorcades, access and screening procedures; - LAF patrol boats will be available detect and prevent any attempt to breach security on the sea side (North); - Beirut Traffic Police will provide help with traffic congestion and any emergency road clearings on the side of Solidere; BIEL Outer Ring: - Includes a checkpoint for redirecting traffic to the different venues inside BIEL (Expo, Pavilion, Sky Bar etc). Checkpoint will be manned by BIEL Security, ISF and RSO/BG; - A second, vehicle inspection checkpoint will screen all large and/or suspicious vehicles entering the complex. This area will be manned by RSO/ESF, ISF, ISF/K-9 and RSO/BG; - RSO has designed a new traffic pattern around the venue in this ring that minimizes the access of vehicles in close proximity to the expo hall. BIEL management has agreed to implement this pattern. BIEL Inner Ring: - This ring covers the exterior and exits of BIEL,s Hall #2 (venue) and includes security personnel protecting the physical structure of the venue, access to the interior and processing/screening all visitors. This group includes members of RSO/BG, RSO/ESF and ISF. A fourth, and less visible group, will be posted inside the exhibition space and will be composed of plain-clothes ISF and RSO/BG members. The RSO will maintain a Command Post inside Biel with representatives of all Embassy and host-government security elements. The Command Post will be staffed 24/7. In case of a medical emergency, RSO has requested that the Red Cross provide first responder services using EMTs and Ambulances on site. ¶5. (S) Embassy will also be hosting several officials, who will be attending the Joint Military Commission at the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Headquarters in Yarze which is slated for October 5-6, 2008. RSO is planning to utilize a variety of routes to the location and configure "dummy" motorcades in an effort to protect the visiting officials. Throughout the year, RSO has been involved in numerous high level visits that entail scheduled meetings at the LAF Headquarters and the host nation security has always been excellent. ¶6. (SBU) EAC agreed to issue an updated warden message, which will reflect the need for all American citizens to exercise vigilance in the coming weeks. SISON