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