US embassy cable - 04DJIBOUTI1399

S E C R E T DJIBOUTI 001399 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPT FOR DS/DSS, DS/DSS/IP, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/E, 
AF/EX, S/CT, CA/OCS, S/ES-O/CMS, INR 
EMBASSIES ADDIS ABABA, ASMARA, NAIROBI, KHARTOUM AND SANAA 
FOR RSO 
CJTF HOA FOR CG, J2, J2X, J3, ATFP, MARCENT CO, ATFP, S-2 
AND JSOTF S-2 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 25X1 
TAGS: PTER, ASEC, DJ 
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI: EAC 11/02/2004 
 
Classified By: RSO Marc Ramos for reason 1.4 (c) and (g) 
 
1. (C) Post convened a core meeting of the Emergency Action 
Committee (EAC) on 02 November, 2004 to review recent threat 
reporting from US Military 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. 
 
2. (S/NF) The core EAC was composed of the Ambassador, RSO, 
COS, USLO, FPO and U.S. Military J2X.  Due to the sensitivity 
of HUMINT controlled sources, the EAC cannot reference a 
particular report at this time, but will immediately notify 
the Department as soon as a releasable report is published. 
On 11/02/2004, US Military sources received information 
indicating that a terrorist attack is being planned for 
execution within the next 48 hours against US Military and/or 
Coalition forces either in Djibouti and/or Ethiopia.  The 
source providing the information is still being vetted for 
credibility, but the information remains inconclusive and 
cannot be corroborated.  The methods, personnel, resources 
and operational planning is unknown at this time.  In light 
of coinciding events to include the Presidential elections, 
troop movements in the region, ongoing US Military operations 
in Iraq and the approaching end of Ramadan, the EAC believes 
that the possibility for such an attack is greater now than 
ever before.   Due to non-specific information and the 
questionable credibility of the source, the EAC has decided 
not to notify the American community of the threat until the 
information can be corroborated. 
 
3. (C) The EAC agreed that current physical security measures 
at the Embassy remain sufficient to deter or disrupt an 
attack.  In light of the general threat during the 
Presidential elections the Host Nation has increased its 
special Police presence around the Embassy during peak hours 
as an added security measure.  Mission personnel have been at 
a heightened level for a period of time and are carrying out 
appropriate personal security measures. Military 
representatives from Camp Lemonier are aware of the current 
threat and will take measures IAW their SOPs.  In addition, 
liberty has been restricted for the next 48 hours and joint 
US/Djiboutian Military patrols will be increased.  Coalition 
forces will be apprised of the threat  IAW National Security 
Information standards. 
 
4. (U) POC is RSO Marc Ramos at 253-35-39-95 ext. 2307 or 
253-35-09-49 (secure). 
RAGSDALE