THREAT LETTER RECEIVED BY EMBASSY SANAA

S E C R E T SANAA 001547 NOFORN DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/ICI/CR, DS/DSS/ITA, NEA/EX E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/15/2018 TAGS: ASEC PTER YM SUBJECT: THREAT LETTER RECEIVED BY EMBASSY SANAA Classified By: AMB Stephen Seche for reasons 1.4 (c) and (d) ¶1. (S/NF) Summary: On September 14, 2008, RSO received an email attachment from the British Embassy security officer, which contained a scanned letter written in Arabic. After translation, it was revealed that the letter was issued by the "Islamic Jihadist Organization" and threatened Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonations against American and British interests. Embassy and Host nation security forces were notified of the non-specific threat, and Post will continue to maintain an already heightened security posture. End Summary. ¶2. (S/NF) RSO Sana'a received an email attachment from the British Embassy security officer. The attachment contained an Arabic letter advising of VBIED attacks on foreign interests, especially American and British, by Islamic Jihad in Yemen. These theatened attacks are contingent upon Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh not releasing prisoners from the August 11, 2008 ROYG raid on an Al-Qaida safe house in the city of Tareem (located in the Hadramaut governorate). The letter went on to request "sleeper cells" in Yemen, Saudi and UAE to prepare themselves "according to the proposed plan" if the prisoners were not released. In addition, the following institutions and Governments were copied on the letter: Enemies of Allah American Congress American Embassy Sana'a British Embassy Sana'a Saudi Ministry of Interior UAE Ministry of Interior Yemen Ministry of Interior All media ¶3. (S/NF) This non-specific threat was provided to the host nation by the German Embassy, who received it on or about September 13, 2008. Embassy Sana'a will maintain its heightened security posture and will continue this posture for the foreseen future. ¶4. (U) The POC for this issue is RSO Nick Collura. SECHE