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