U.S. EMBASSY DJIBOUTI RECEIVES CAMP LEMONIER EOD

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 DJIBOUTI 000780

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDED NOFORN TO PARA 5)

NOFORN
SIPDIS
TERREP

DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/OPO, DS/DO/ICI, DS/DSS/TIA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2023
TAGS: ASEC PTER DJ
SUBJECT: U.S. EMBASSY DJIBOUTI RECEIVES CAMP LEMONIER EOD
ASSISTANCE FOR SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE

DJIBOUTI 00000780 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: ACTING RSO THERON BUNNELL for reasons 1.4 (c) and (g)


1. (SBU) At approximately 11:50 on 09/25/2008, RSO was
informed by LGF that the embassy mail truck tested positive
for explosives. RSO ordered the LGF to move the truck out of
the Sally Port (vehicle access point) to the embassy parking
area for a secondary itemiser inspection. The embassy CAC
Sally Port is only 10 meters from the chancery building and
50 meters from the Ambassador's residence. RSO felt that
moving the vehicle as far away from the chancery as possible
was warranted. Embassy LGF conducted a second inspection
which resulted in a positive hit for RDX and TATP. RSO
ordered the truck to be moved away from the embassy parking
area, which is where the embassy has the least protection due
to a substandard perimeter wall. The truck was moved to a
large open lot on the south side of the embassy. The embassy
wall at this location is 12 feet high and reinforced. RSO
alerted embassy personnel of the situation and that RSO was
seeking assistance from Camp Lemonier EOD. RSO elected not
to sound the duck and cover alarm because the vehicle had had
a visual and physical inspection conducted by LGF at the
south drop arm barrier prior to entering the CAC, where the
only itemiser is located. The RSO requested people to remain
indoors until EOD verified threat.


2. (SBU) There was a detachment of Marines from the 8th
Provisional Security Company from Camp Lemonier already at
the embassy due to a previously scheduled Random
Antiterrorism Mission (RAM). RSO requested that the Marines
take up positions at the south and north drop arm delta
barriers. LGF and host national police were withdrawn from
the south lot area. Police informed the adjacent elementary
school (only teachers were present) and requested they
evacuate through their west exit away from the embassy
compound.


3. (SBU) EOD arrived at approximately 12:30. RSO met with
EOD and explained the situation. RSO showed the print out of
itemiser hits and directed them to the vehicle location. EOD
performed a secondary inspection of the vehicle and its
contents. This inspection used a zone method and the vehicle
and its contents were broken down into five sections. EOD
took swab samples of each section and requested the RSO to
use the itemiser again on each sample taken. EOD performed
the same test with their equipment. After recalibration of
the itemiser the RSO tested five swabs provided by EOD. Only
sample number 1 tested positive for RDX and TATP. Sample
number 1 was taken from the mail pouches. RSO and EOD called
Camp Lemonier K-9 explosives detection unit for further
assistance. EOD decided to remove the mail bags from the
embassy vehicle and separate the bags into manageable working
sections. The bag that tested positive was opened by EOD and
several photos of the boxes were taken. RSO informed DCM and
GRPO of situation and received concurrence that if the K-9
responded to explosive that the package would be blown in
place.


4. (SBU) At approximately 13:40, Camp K-9 unit arrived at
embassy and proceeded to conduct the sweep. K-9 conducted a
search of the vehicle and all its unclassified mail pouches.
The K-9 responded to a positive hit on one specific parcel.
K-9 team, EOD and RSO felt that four positive hits warranted
blowing the parcel in place. RSO sounded the duck and cover
alarm and informed embassy personnel of what was happening.
EOD set up a water cannon charge that is designed to separate
any explosive material inside the box without detonating it.
EOD stated the blast would blow the parcel out toward the
sea, away from the embassy and adjacent elementary school.
Again the duck and cover alarm was sounded and RSO gave EOD
permission to execute detonation.


5. (S/NF) After EOD inspected the contents of the parcel, the
all clear was given. The contents turned out to be hand
rolled cigars that were sent from JR Cigar Company
originating from South Carolina. The box was addressed to an
embassy GRPO chief. DCM and GRPO chief were brought out to
the scene to inspect the package. GRPO chief confirmed that
he had ordered the box of cigars. EOD stated that traces of
TATP and RDX on the box indicated that somewhere along the
line of shipping and handling, someone had come into direct
contact with both TATP and RDX explosive types.


6. (SBU) RSO requested that Camp NCIS (who have a good
evidence collection unit) assist Embassy NCIS agent with
collecting evidence. NCIS collected parcel contents and soil

DJIBOUTI 00000780 002.2 OF 002


from surrounding area of blast for further analysis.
Investigation is ongoing, and post requests guidance and
assistance from DS/IP/AF.
WONG