THREAT TO BOMB US EMBASSY PRETORIA

S E C R E T PRETORIA 001930 NOFORN DEPARTMENT FOR DS/DSS, DS/IP/AF, P, M, CA, S/CT, INR AND AF/EX. E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2019 TAGS: ASEC CASC PTER SUBJECT: THREAT TO BOMB US EMBASSY PRETORIA REF: 3-CY-510943-09 Classified By: RSO VIDA GECAS FOR REASON 1.4 (C) AND (D) ¶1. (S/NF) On 09/21/09, Post's core EAC comprised of representatives from: EXEC, A/DCM, RSO, ADM, POL, PAO, DAO, ORI, ECON and LEGAT convened to discuss threat information in (REF). Based on this threat information, RSO Pretoria submitted a written request to the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Diplomatic Policing Unit to provide a visible and static police presence at the US Chancery in Pretoria. In addition, RSO requested that each of Post's annex buildings be patrolled by marked units and visited on a frequent basis. SAPS have not/not yet provided the protective measures requested by RSO. More detailed information specific to the threat must be provided to the SAPS Criminal Intelligence Unit in order for them to complete a comprehensive threat assessment. Only when the threat assessment is completed will SAPS be able to provide the additional requested resources for the Chancery. ¶2. (S/NF) EAC members determined that in light of the current threat information and due to the lack of police support by the SAPS, the US Mission to South Africa - to include the US Embassy and its annexes in Pretoria, the US Consulates located in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg - will suspend operations and only essential personnel will report for duty on 09/22/09. ¶3. (S/NF) Post's core EAC will reconvene on 09/22/09 in order to re-evaluate this threat information and determine Post's security posture over the next several days. ¶4. (SBU) RSO Pretoria and RSOs in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg have directed both the Local Guard Forces and the Surveillance Detection Teams to remain at a heightened state of alert during this elevated threat period. A Security Notice was disseminated to Mission employees reminding them to remain extra vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the RSO. Also, a warden notice cleared by CA went to U.S. citizens via the consular warden sysytem and the Embassy website. ¶5. (S/NF) RSO Pretoria requests that DS work in coordination with intelligence community counterparts in order to provide releasable, tear-line information to the South African Government regarding this threat. Without details of this threat information, SAPS will not be able to provide the requested security support. GIPS