US embassy cable - 05MUSCAT886

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000886 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI 
DEPT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/CC, DS/DSS/OSAC, CA/OCS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 
TAGS: AEMR, ASEC, AMGT, PTER, CASC, KHLS, MU, EAC 
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/01/2005 
 
REF: A. MUSCAT 0858 
     B. SECSTATE 098228 
 
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michael G. Snowden. 
Reason: 1.4 (c). 
 
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Summary 
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1.  (SBU)  The CDA chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action 
Committee (EAC) on June 1 to review the Embassy's security 
posture prior to the local weekend.  Members noted no 
substantive changes in the local security environment since 
the last meeting.  Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the 
Embassy's already heightened security posture and FPCON 
remain appropriate.  End Summary. 
 
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Security Environment 
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2.  (SBU)  On June 1, the CDA chaired a meeting of the core 
EAC to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the 
local weekend.  The meeting opened with a discussion of the 
local security situation, which the EAC continued to 
characterize as stable.  Likewise, the EAC noted no/no new 
threat reporting specific to Oman. 
 
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Terrorist Tactics 
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3.  (S/NF)  RSO briefed the EAC on reftel B, regarding 
evolving vehicle-borne improvised explosive device 
techniques, and confirmed that the provided tear line was 
passed to all local guard force (LGF) and surveillance 
detection (SD) personnel.  RSO further confirmed, pursuant to 
reftel B instructions, that the use of the Embassy's Imminent 
Danger Notification System is routinely reviewed with LGF and 
SD personnel, most recently during the May 29 unannounced 
Embassy-wide "Duck and Cover" drill (reftel A) - initiated by 
a local guard. 
 
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Sustained Vigilance 
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4.  (SBU)  Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO reiterated 
that members of the EAC must continue reinforcing to both 
their staffs and family members the need for vigilance 
regarding all aspects of personal security.  RSO further 
re-emphasized the importance of immediately reporting all 
suspicious activity or security-related incidents to Post One. 
 
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EAC Conclusion 
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5.  (S/NF)  The EAC concluded that there have been no 
substantive changes in the local security environment since 
the last meeting held on May 29 (reftel A).  Accordingly, 
members agreed that the Embassy's already heightened security 
posture and FPCON remain appropriate.  Embassy Muscat remains 
acutely aware of the need to monitor both the regional and 
local security and threat environments, and is prepared to 
take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either 
occur.  CDA, A/DCM, RSO (Duty Officer), RMAS, PAO, CONS, OMC 
(USDR), and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. 
STEWART