US embassy cable - 04DJIBOUTI833

S E C R E T DJIBOUTI 000833 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
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, KHARTOUM AND SANAA FOR RSO 
CJTF HOA FOR CG, J2, J3, J2X, ATFP AND MARCENT ATFP 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2014 
TAGS: PTER, ASEC, DJ 
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI: EAC 06/17/04 
 
REF: STATE 132633 
 
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 17 June, 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 they 
relate to the trend of recent attacks in Saudi Arabia. 
 
2. (S) The core EAC was composed of the Ambassador, RSO, RAO, 
USLO, Force Protection Officer (FPO) and U.S. Military J2X. 
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.  In addition, the Ambassador held a 
special staff meeting to address the need for greater 
vigilance and security awareness. 
 
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/NF) Recent threat reporting indicates a spike in 
terrorist activity that continues to identify the Horn of 
Africa as a potential target.  U.S. Military representatives 
have been in negotiations with the Host Nation to implement 
active and passive measures to mitigate an attack against 
aircraft landing or taking off from Djibouti International 
Airport. In addition, Force Protection Officers from Camp 
Lemonier are currently addressing the threat of personal 
attacks on U.S. Military Personnel.  Several options are 
being considered to include establishing a Surveillance 
Detection Team to monitor pedestrian and vehicular activity 
surrounding the base. 
 
5. (S) The EAC agreed that due to the general threat of 
attacks against Americans world wide and recent threat 
information, 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 will continue to 
raise US security concerns officially with the Government of 
Djibouti. 
 
6. (U) POC is RSO Marc Ramos at 253-35-39-95 ext. 2307 or 
253-35-26-73 (secure). 
RAGSDALE