DHAHRAN EAC FOR HOLIDAY SECURITY PLANNING 2008

S E C R E T RIYADH 001838 SIPDIS DEPT FOR DS, D, P, M, CA, S/CT, INR, DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, AND DS/IP/SPC/MSG RIYADH FOR RSO DHAHRAN SENDS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2018 TAGS: ASEC CASC PTER SA AMGT SUBJECT: DHAHRAN EAC FOR HOLIDAY SECURITY PLANNING 2008 REF: STATE 129801 Classified By: ARSO Charles Flynn for reasons 1.4 (d and g). ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: On December 21, 2008, Consul General (CG) convened an Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting to review post security posture in response to the dissemination of REFTEL A. The EAC was comprised of CG, DHS, MSG, CONS, PAO, RAO and A/RSO. ¶2. (S/NF) The EAC discussed the information provided by REFTEL A and the following actions have been taken: - ARSO discussed with the CG varying routes and times for shuttle service. It was determined that the route variations are adequate and that the time variations over the holidays meet the standards. However, the time variations will be revisited upon the consulate returning to a normal work week after the conclusion of the holidays. - The CG determined that the current access policy for vehicles entering Post was sufficient for the current threat situation in Dhahran. There is an official function scheduled for the CG Residence on the morning of December 25. Guests to this event have been invited to several previous consulate functions and in the opinion of the CG, do not pose a significant risk to the consulate. However, normal screening measures will remain in place for the event and additional guards will be employed at the CGR during the event. - The EAC agreed that the current security posture meets the needs of the current threat level. Should specific threat information against the consulate be discovered, the security posture will be enhanced. The EAC discussed the social event planned for New Year's Eve and agreed that the customary enhanced security measures for social events meet the security needs of this year's event. - The EAC agreed that RSO, MSG, and LGF coverage are appropriate for the holiday period. - The EAC reviewed the list of recommended hotels and determined that there is no need to change or remove any of the hotels from that list. The Saudi government has been on high alert since the start of the Hajj and will remain there until at least January 12. 2009. RAO stated that there is no imminent or specific threat information that would affect Dhahran. - The EAC did not see a need to issue a warden message as Dhahran is covered by the current Worldwide Caution as well as the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf Travel Alerts. However, should Riyadh issue a country specific warden message, it will be relayed to the wardens in the Eastern Province. - The EAC further agreed that the responsiveness of the Saudi Diplomatic Police and Saudi Arabian National Guard have met expectations and reflect the high level of commitment by the host nation to ensure the safety of all American interests in the region. - The ARSO discussed posts interaction with the OSAC. On a regular basis, the RSO office passes along to OSAC members relevant information. The current information sharing meet the needs of the OSAC members to the extent information can be released to them. ¶3. (U) Post will continue to monitor security and intelligence information and RSO will continue to work closely with host nation security forces and report back as appropriate. The point of contact is ARSO Charles Flynn who can be reached at 966.3.330.3200 ext. 3027. (Approved: Kenny) RUNDELL