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