Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA324
2009-09-24 13:03:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
SUSPICIOUS MILITARY CHECKPOINTS OUTSIDE OF ASMARA
how-toR 241303Z SEP 09 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0499 INFO AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI AMEMBASSY LONDON AMEMBASSY PARIS CDR USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE CIA WASHDC CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ COMUSNAVCENT DIA WASHDC JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL SECDEF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000324
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E,
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2029
TAGS: ASEC MOPS PGOV PINS ER
SUBJECT: SUSPICIOUS MILITARY CHECKPOINTS OUTSIDE OF ASMARA
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
(C) Emboffs received two separate reports of heavy military
checkpoints on the roads leading out of Asmara on 09/12/09.
The sources stated the scrutiny of persons and vehicles at
these checkpoints was more intense than usual and it appeared
that the soldiers were looking for specific persons. Post
received an uncorroborated report that soldiers planted
explosives on the Eritrean air force base which is adjacent
to the Asmara international airport. This source stated an
Eritrean soldier was shot and killed after he was discovered
planting explosives at an unknown part of the base. Other
soldiers reportedly involved in this incident fled the base
in a vehicle, which resulted in the abovementioned
checkpoints. Post also received uncorroborated reports of
gunfire lasting for approximately 10 minutes later that
evening.
MCMULLEN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E,
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2029
TAGS: ASEC MOPS PGOV PINS ER
SUBJECT: SUSPICIOUS MILITARY CHECKPOINTS OUTSIDE OF ASMARA
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
(C) Emboffs received two separate reports of heavy military
checkpoints on the roads leading out of Asmara on 09/12/09.
The sources stated the scrutiny of persons and vehicles at
these checkpoints was more intense than usual and it appeared
that the soldiers were looking for specific persons. Post
received an uncorroborated report that soldiers planted
explosives on the Eritrean air force base which is adjacent
to the Asmara international airport. This source stated an
Eritrean soldier was shot and killed after he was discovered
planting explosives at an unknown part of the base. Other
soldiers reportedly involved in this incident fled the base
in a vehicle, which resulted in the abovementioned
checkpoints. Post also received uncorroborated reports of
gunfire lasting for approximately 10 minutes later that
evening.
MCMULLEN