OCTOBER 16 AMCONSULATE MONTERREY EAC MEETING

UNCLAS MONTERREY 000468 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC KCRM PINS SNAR MX SUBJECT: OCTOBER 16 AMCONSULATE MONTERREY EAC MEETING REF: MONTERREY 458 ¶1. (SBU) At approximately 11:36 a.m. October 16, a series of 7 to 8 gunshots, in two bursts, were heard near the Consulate. This gunfire comes in the wake of the weekend gunshot/grenade attack on the Consulate by assailants unknown (see reftel). Upon hearing the gunshots, Post Acting RSO immediately initiated duck and cover procedures and Consulate personnel remained in that mode until it the all-clear was determined. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this incident, Consul General temporarily suspended services to the public and released non-essential employees early on a staggered basis. Post is set to resume normal operations at OOB Friday, October ¶17. The Emergency Action Committee met on October 16 at 1600 in the Consulate building, and was attended by the CG, Acting RSO, Cons, Econ/Pol, PA, MGT, GSO, CLO, FCS, FAS, ACS, Embassy RSO, DHS, DEA, FBI, and ATF. ¶2. (SBU) At the EAC, Acting RSO briefed on efforts to date to ascertain the source of the gunshots. Footage from security cameras covering the highway failed to reveal anything unusual; however tapes from buildings adjacent to the Consulate are being reviewed as well. A search of the Consulate's premises did not uncover any new bullet holes or bullet fragments. In response to post's request to the Nuevo Leon state Attorney General for increased police protection, the State provided additional security. Three SWAT teams are now located at both the front and back of the Consulate and more guards have been stationed along the private road leading to the back gate of the building. ¶3. (SBU) The October 16 incident at the Consulate followed an early morning raid by the Mexican army. That enforcement action resulted in the seizure of 8 tons of marijuana, 21 grenades, approximately 20,000 rounds of ammunition, and one arrest. Shortly thereafter, Mexican law enforcement authorities engaged in a gun-battle with suspected organized crime elements in a house in the up-scale Monterrey neighborhood of Contry. The incident at the Consulate occurred shortly after the incident at Contry. ¶4. (SBU) EAC agreed to issue a warden notice informing local Amcits of this new incident. Local television and radio ran extensive coverage on the situation at the Consulate, with cameramen providing close-up shots of the additional police units posted at the building. The reporting on the Consulate was juxtaposed with the gun battle at Contry. Consul General requested Agency/Section heads to brief their Amcit/LES staff (as well as family members) on the latest developments, post's security posture, and the need for vigilance in both work and home routines. Post is also requesting a timely visit from the Mexico City RMO/P. ¶5. (U) Post will continue to monitor developments closely. WILLIAMSON