US embassy cable - 04SANAA3170

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 003170 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DS/DSS, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA, NEA/ 
ARP, NEA/EX, NEA/P, CA, CENTCOM FOR POLAD 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/28/2014 
TAGS: AMGT, ASEC, PREL, PTER, YM, EAC, COUNTER TERRORISM 
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 12/28/2004 
 
Classified By: Charge Nabeel Khoury, for reasons 1.4 (b) (c) and 
(d). 
 
1.  (S/NF)  Begin Summary:  The Charge convened a 
core EAC meeting on December 28, 2004, to share 
information regarding the recent attempt to attack 
Embassy personnel and to assess recent threat 
information. Embassy employees were reminded to remain 
vigilant in light of recent threat reporting and to 
report all security related incidents immediately to 
the RSO. EAC members noted no current additional specific 
threats against Embassy Sanaa. Key offices and personnel 
represented included:  CDA, FPD, OMC, RMAS, POL/ECON ,MO, 
CCE, DAO, AID, PD, LEGATT and RSO. END SUMMARY. 
 
 
2.  (C)  The Charge began the discussion with a review 
of the details concerning the recent attempt  to 
attack Embassy personnel during a Christmas Eve dinner 
at an Embassy residence. Charge commended the 
Ambassador's bodyguards and Yemeni CSF members who 
foiled the attempt and apprehend the perpetrators. 
Charge shared information provided by the Minister of 
the Interior to include the arrest of the perpetrator 
who admitted to wishing to hurt "foreigners" and to 
having at least two possible collaborators.  The Embassy 
expects a full report from the MOI on the ongoing 
investigation. A request by the Embassy to participate 
in the interrogation is currently under consideration. 
Charge stressed that that EAC members should not discuss 
this  matter or any details concerning the ongoing 
investigation in order not to jeopardize efforts for 
additional arrests in the case. Charge emphasized the 
need for communication and  information sharing between 
EAC members and stressed and stressed the need for each 
section to constantly review their personal security 
measures. 
 
3. (S/NF) RSO reviewed efforts to increase counter- 
surveillance measures around Embassy residences and 
consideration is being given to moving those Embassy 
personnel whose residences are in more vulnerable areas. 
 
4.  (U)  LEGATT noted that due the fact no American 
American security officials are directly involved in the 
investigation, the information received by the Embassy 
from Yemeni security officials may not be totally 
accurate.  LEGATT suggested strong pressure on the MOI 
to allow American investigators access to suspects 
connected to the case as soon as possible for 
questioning. LEGATT added that although no connection may 
exist, the end of the year has typically been a time in 
Yemen where attacks against westerners occur. 
 
 
5.  (S/NF) EAC members discussed general security 
precautions.  RMAS added that community members should 
not rely solely on host government security but should 
make assessments and take an active interest in  there own 
personal security. RMAS also emphasized the need to have 
primary and secondary means of communications and 
recommended a test of the Embassy phone tree system in the 
near future. 
 
 
6.  (S/NF)  EAC members agreed that recent events did not 
warrant cancellation of the Embassy New Year's party to be 
held on the Embassy compound or restriction of travel 
throughout the country.  The Charge concluded the EAC 
meeting by reminding members to be vigilant in observing 
their environment and reporting any unusual developments or 
changes near their residences to the RSO.  The implications 
of recent events will be further reviewed as more 
information comes in.  EAC and Washington will be informed 
accordingly. 
 
 
KRAJESKI