Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MASERU144
2008-05-16 10:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Maseru
Cable title:
MASERU EAC CONVENES IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ATTACKS ON
how-toVZCZCXRO6701 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHRN DE RUEHMR #0144 1371043 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 161043Z MAY 08 ZDS FM AMEMBASSY MASERU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3689 INFO RUEHOR/AMEMBASSY GABORONE IMMEDIATE 0476 RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU IMMEDIATE 4108 RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS MASERU 000144
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING CAPTION)
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/DSS/ODAC, S/CT, D, P, M, INR,
CA, AF/S; GABORONE FOR RSO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC LT
SUBJECT: MASERU EAC CONVENES IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ATTACKS ON
MILITARY AND POLICE UNITS
REF: MASERU 142
UNCLAS MASERU 000144
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING CAPTION)
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/DSS/ODAC, S/CT, D, P, M, INR,
CA, AF/S; GABORONE FOR RSO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC LT
SUBJECT: MASERU EAC CONVENES IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ATTACKS ON
MILITARY AND POLICE UNITS
REF: MASERU 142
1. (SBU) The Deputy Chief of Mission convened the EAC on May 16
to consider Embassy Maseru's security posture and threat levels
in light of recent attacks on Lesotho military and police units
(reftel) . Representatives of all Embassy sections and agencies
- including the Assistant Regional Security Officer (visiting
from Embassy Gabarone) - were in attendance. Prior to the
meeting, on May 16, the Post Security Office issued a security
notice to all Mission personnel which informed employees of the
attacks and advised strict adherence to Mission security
policies already in place.
2. (SBU) A press release issued on May 15 by the Lesotho Mounted
Police Service (LMPS) reported that during the evening of May 13
six individuals armed with semi-automatic weapons and wearing
military-type uniforms opened fire on unarmed police and
military units in the vicinity of Maseru and later in Maputsoe.
The attackers also kidnapped and bound a National Security
Service officer in Butha-Buthe, though he was left unharmed.
This information was confirmed by independent Embassy reporting
(reftel). LMPS officers are actively investigating these cases,
which all occurred within the vicinity of the South African
border. The motives of the perpetrators are unknown.
3. (SBU) Reinforcing themes delivered to U.S. citizens and
Mission personnel at a Town Hall Meeting on Local Crime on May
14, the EAC agreed that strict vigilance to existing Post
security directives and guidance is critical. The most salient
include: (1) the avoidance of night driving (especially at late
hours),(2) the use of extreme caution when encountering
road-blocks or otherwise suspicious situations, (3) the
prohibition of casual night walking and strong discouragement of
casual day walking, and (4) the capability to communicate with
the Post Duty Officer, the Post Security Officer, and Post's
security contractor.
4. (SBU) EAC members concurred that there are no signs of
threats directed specifically at USG interests or U.S. citizens
and that existing post security policies and actions taken
(including issuance of a U.S. citizen warden notice and Mission
security notice and review of emergency procedures) are
appropriate. Embassy personnel will continue to monitor the
security situation closely.
NOLAN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING CAPTION)
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/DSS/ODAC, S/CT, D, P, M, INR,
CA, AF/S; GABORONE FOR RSO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC LT
SUBJECT: MASERU EAC CONVENES IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ATTACKS ON
MILITARY AND POLICE UNITS
REF: MASERU 142
1. (SBU) The Deputy Chief of Mission convened the EAC on May 16
to consider Embassy Maseru's security posture and threat levels
in light of recent attacks on Lesotho military and police units
(reftel) . Representatives of all Embassy sections and agencies
- including the Assistant Regional Security Officer (visiting
from Embassy Gabarone) - were in attendance. Prior to the
meeting, on May 16, the Post Security Office issued a security
notice to all Mission personnel which informed employees of the
attacks and advised strict adherence to Mission security
policies already in place.
2. (SBU) A press release issued on May 15 by the Lesotho Mounted
Police Service (LMPS) reported that during the evening of May 13
six individuals armed with semi-automatic weapons and wearing
military-type uniforms opened fire on unarmed police and
military units in the vicinity of Maseru and later in Maputsoe.
The attackers also kidnapped and bound a National Security
Service officer in Butha-Buthe, though he was left unharmed.
This information was confirmed by independent Embassy reporting
(reftel). LMPS officers are actively investigating these cases,
which all occurred within the vicinity of the South African
border. The motives of the perpetrators are unknown.
3. (SBU) Reinforcing themes delivered to U.S. citizens and
Mission personnel at a Town Hall Meeting on Local Crime on May
14, the EAC agreed that strict vigilance to existing Post
security directives and guidance is critical. The most salient
include: (1) the avoidance of night driving (especially at late
hours),(2) the use of extreme caution when encountering
road-blocks or otherwise suspicious situations, (3) the
prohibition of casual night walking and strong discouragement of
casual day walking, and (4) the capability to communicate with
the Post Duty Officer, the Post Security Officer, and Post's
security contractor.
4. (SBU) EAC members concurred that there are no signs of
threats directed specifically at USG interests or U.S. citizens
and that existing post security policies and actions taken
(including issuance of a U.S. citizen warden notice and Mission
security notice and review of emergency procedures) are
appropriate. Embassy personnel will continue to monitor the
security situation closely.
NOLAN