EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING:DJIBOUTI THREAT

S E C R E T DJIBOUTI 001018

SIPDIS

DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2018
TAGS: ASEC DJ MOPS PTER SO
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING:DJIBOUTI THREAT
REPORT

REF: CIA WASHINGTON DC 161659

Classified By: RSO ELLEN TANNOR for reasons 1.4 (d)


1. (SBU) On December 17, 2008 at 11:15 AM Embassy Djibouti's
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) convened to discuss recent
threat information. The EAC was led by Ambassador Swan and
in attendance were RSO, ORA, POL, MNGT, PD, IMO, CON, USLO,
CCE and members of CJTF-HOA security.


2. (S/NF) GRPO reviewed the threat information that outlined
possible "Mumbai style" attacks in Djibouti which targets
Westerners and places frequented by Westerners. GRPO reviewed
the October attacks that happened in Hargeisa and Bassaso
Somaliland. GRPO noted that among the targets were the
Ethiopian Embassy and United Nations Development Program
(UNDP)---both of which are close neighbors to US Embassy
Djibouti (less than 1/4 mile). GRPO stated that host country
Intelligence Services have been briefed and are adequately
apprised of the threat. Host government has committed to
providing increased patrols and security coverage
particularly to Melenik square, a section of downtown most
frequented by Westerners.


3. (C) RSO reviewed our current security posture which has
increased significantly since the September Embassy Sanaa
attacks. A review of all external security measures indicate
operation at very high levels. RSO will 1) Increase
visibility of National Police assigned to U.S. Embassy
protective detail 2) Refocus Surveillance Detection units to
key on new potential threats and opportunities. 3)
Coordinate with Camp Lemonier to increase Marine Random
Anti-terrorist Measures (RAMS) 4) Meet will all security
staff to stress the need for increased vigilance. 5) RSO
reviewed personal protective measures and the need for
heightened security awareness, i,e varying routes and time,
always carrying fully charged radio and cell phone and
reporting all suspicious activity.


4. (C) EAC noted that radio communication remains our weakest
area in the event of an emergency and that coverage is
completely inadequate in many areas and neighborhoods. IMO
has been working with RIMC Pretoria on the possibility of
installing a repeater at Camp Lemonier to eliminate
communications gaps. IMO will look into the possible
remedies and provide a follow-up of next steps for Post to
take.


5. (SBU) EAC agreed that sending a Warden message to American
Citizens advising of possible threats is prudent. Consular
will disseminate warden message that discusses threat in more
general terms, underscoring the need for all amcits to
increase security awareness due to end of year criminal
activity and recent terrorist incidents in India and Somalia.


6. (S/NF) AMB Swan reviewed Congressional Delegation (CODEL)
Feingold visit this weekend and GRPO has asked his
counterpart in Stuttgart (CODEL's current location) to
apprise the CODEL of recent threat information in Djibouti.
RSO has met with police and hotel management and arranged an
enhanced security package for the visit. The Kempenski hotel
where the CODEL will reside has agreed to 1) use the
retractable metal bollards positioned near the entrance of
the hotel 2) Use uniformed police to conduct vehicle
screenings for all guests entering hotel premise 2) utilize
the walk through metal detectors at the lobby entrance,
coupled with hotel security to conduct screening and 3) limit
parking located directly in front of the hotel entrance. RSO
has also arranged to have a full police security detail as
well as an American security detail from Camp Lemonier for
the entire duration of the visit.


7. (C) USLO updated the EAC on recent developments with the
Northern border conflict. Amb informed EAC that Host
Government is monitoring the situation closely and no changes
were necessary as the situation remains stable at this time.


8. (C) EAC concluded and will revisit outstanding radio
coverage issues upon guidance of IMO.



SWAN