MASERU EAC CONVENES IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ATTACKS ON

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