POSSIBLE BOMB PLOT TARGETING A U.S. EMBASSY

S E C R E T BOGOTA 003253 DS/IP, DS/IP/WHA, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/OPO E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/10/23 TAGS: ASEC PTER SUBJECT: POSSIBLE BOMB PLOT TARGETING A U.S. EMBASSY REF: TD-314/070516-09 CLASSIFIED BY: Stephen P. Brunette, RSO; REASON: 1.4(C) ¶1. (S) SUMMARY- On October 23, 2009, the RSO office received information from DEA Bogota that there is a possible plan using explosives targeting a U.S Embassy. The information was obtained from a recorded conversation between a DEA source and a Colombian Drug Trafficker. The validity of the source is unknown at this time and there is a lack of specificity regarding the target of the plot. End Summary. ¶2. (S) On October 23, 2009, the DEA office in Guayaquil, Ecuador received a recorded call between a DEA Source and an unknown trafficker. During the course of the conversation, the trafficker referenced a possible bomb plot targeting an unspecified U.S. Embassy. The trafficker said that a "Middle Easterner" backer is reportedly financing the plot. No further information was revealed in the conversation and there was no specific reference to U.S. Embassy Bogota or any U.S. Government facility in Colombia. DEA Bogota is attempting to ascertain the validity of the source and obtain additional information. RSO Bogota will forward any additional information as it becomes available. ¶3. (SBU) RSO Comment: RSO Bogota believes due to the lack of specificity of the information and the questionable sourcing, as well as the robust security screening and extraordinary security measures in place are adequate at this time. ¶4. (U) The Point of Contact is ARSO Aaron Van Horn, who can be reached at 011-57-1-383-2903 or by classnet email at vanhornaw@state.sgov.gov. BROWNFIELD