09/18/2009 SANAA EAC REACTS TO POSSIBLE IMMINENT

S E C R E T SANAA 001686 NOFORN DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/OP/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA/EX, NEA/ARP, SEO-O, DS COMMAND CENTER E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2019 TAGS: ASEC AEMR YM SUBJECT: 09/18/2009 SANAA EAC REACTS TO POSSIBLE IMMINENT THREAT REPORT REF: TD-314/062186-09 Classified By: Ambassador Stephen Seche, Reason 1.4 (b),(d),and (g). ¶1. (S/NF) On 09/18/2009, the Ambassador convened a weekend meeting of core members of Post's Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to discuss reftel information regarding al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and its intention to conduct terrorist operations in Yemen during the remaining period of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Also present were DCM, PolMil, PolEcon, SOCFWD, DAO, CONS, LEGAT, and RSO. ¶2. (S/NF) PolMil briefed the EAC on reported AQAP planning to conduct terrorist operations against foreign targets and Yemeni security targets in Sana'a during Ramadan and through Eid al-Fitr, which ends September 22nd or 23rd. In addition to named ROYG installations, possible targets include the U.S. Embassy, other embassies, tourists, diplomatic residences, and oil companies. ¶3. (S/NF) Based on this information, the Ambassador contacted the Deputy Foreign Minister (DFM),who enjoys excellent contacts with Yemeni Security Services. When apprised of our concerns, the DFM promised to reach out to relevant security officials immediately, including President Saleh's staff. ¶4. (S/NF) In addition, the RSO, LEGAT and OMC obtained tear-line documents to pass to ROYG liaison contacts, requesting additional security assets around the Sheraton Hotel and the U.S. Embassy. This information will also be used by RSO to brief members of the community, to include oil companies, encouraging them to increase their security postures for the time period. ¶5. (S/NF) The EAC decided, at least through the end of the Eid, to further reduce the number of TDY personnel at the Sheraton, re-locating them to Embassy housing in the Hadda area. In a public Warden Notice, the U.S. Embassy recommended avoiding hotels during this period, and encouraged all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness. ¶6. (S/NF) Additional U.S. Government security assets already in country have agreed to monitor the portions of our compound perimeter where current vulnerabilities (such as limited camera coverage and ROYG security elements) exist. ¶7. (S/NF) Post will open on Saturday, 09/19/2009, but closed Sunday - Tuesday for Eid. The EAC will review the security situation on Wednesday, 09/23/2009. ¶8. (U) POC for this reporting is RSO John Taylor at 967-1-755-2218 (open) or 967-1-130-3178 (secure.) SECHE _____________________________________________ ____________________