US embassy cable - 04DJIBOUTI647

S E C R E T DJIBOUTI 000647 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DS/DSS, DS/DSS/IP, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/E, 
AF/EX, M, S/CT, CA/OCS 
ADDIS ABABA, ASMARA, NAIROBI FOR RSO 
CJTF HOA FOR CG, J2, J3, J2X, MARCENT 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/02/2014 
TAGS: PTER, ASEC, DJ 
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI: EAC 05/02/04 
 
REF: STATE 97324 
 
Classified By: RSO Marc Ramos for reason 1.4 (b) and (g) 
 
1. (S) Post convened a meeting of the Emergency Action 
Committee (EAC) on 02 May, 2004 to review threat information 
as outlined in REFTEL and recent threat reporting from other 
sources.  The EAC discussed the potential of attacks on 
western targets and the addition of needed security measures 
to mitigate the threat.  Potential targets in Djibouti 
include the Embassy, the U.S. Military Base Camp Lemonier, 
and frequented establishments in the downtown area.  In 
addition, the EAC addressed the potential risk of personal 
attacks to American and other Western civilians as a result 
of the recent media exposure of inappropriate behavior on 
behalf of U.S. and British troops in Iraq. 
 
2. (S) The EAC was composed of the Ambassador, DCM, RSO, RAO, 
USLO, MgtOff, ConOff, PolOff and newly appointed Force 
Protection Officer (FPO).  The contents of REFTEL were 
discussed in detail and all parties agreed that current 
physical security measures at the Embassy remain sufficient 
to deter or disrupt an attack.  Mission personnel have been 
at a heightened level for a period of time and are carrying 
out appropriate personal security measures.  Recent physical 
security enhancements to the Embassy include: 
 
- The relocation of concrete barriers on to the adjacent lot 
for the purpose of increasing set back and impeding vehicle 
entry. 
- The placement of new 6 ft. concrete barriers on the 
beachhead behind the Embassy to increase set back and to 
prevent a breach of the perimeter by waterborne vessels. 
- The installation of portable drop arm barriers on the 
street in front of the Embassy to secure the street and 
prevent a breach of the perimeter by a VBIED. 
 
3. (SBU) Appropriate Military representatives from Camp 
Lemonier are aware of the current threat and will take 
measures IAW their SOPs.  US Military elements are also 
coordinating with the host nation and the French Forces in 
Djibouti (FFD) who have a formal defense agreement with the 
Government of Djibouti. 
 
4. (S) The EAC agreed that due to the general threat of 
attacks against Americans world wide and recent threat 
information emanating from the capture of Al Qaeda operatives 
in Djibouti, it would be prudent to reiterate the need for 
vigilance and personal security measures to the American 
community.  ConOff has forwarded the Departments world wide 
warning to all wardens and members of the community and has 
reiterated the need to maintain a low profile and strongly 
consider postponing activities that involve large groups of 
Americans or Westerners.  The Ambassador has scheduled a town 
hall meeting for community members on 09 May, 2004.  The 
Ambassador, RSO and ConOff will address current security 
concerns at that time.  In addition, The Ambassador will 
raise US security concerns officially with the Government of 
Djibouti. 
 
5. (S/NF) Note: Embassy and military officers have queried 
their respective sources as to the incidents in Iraq, but no 
information has surfaced that would indicate any 
anti-American sentiment.  This is not to say that the host 
nation would not voice its opinion on the incidents.  Past 
incidents have shown that, when pressured by its Arab League 
brethren, the Government of Djibouti will take an opposing 
stance on certain American Foreign policies so as not to lose 
face with the public. 
 
6. (U) POC is RSO Marc Ramos at 253-35-39-95 ext. 2307 or 
253-35-26-73 (secure). 
RAGSDALE 
 
RAGSDALE