US embassy cable - 05SANAA1970

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 001970 
 
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: 07/20/2015 
TAGS: AMGT, ASEC, PREL, PTER, EAC 
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 07/20/2005. 
 
Classified By:  CDA Nabeel Khoury, for reasons 1.5 
(B) and (D) 
 
1.  (S)  BEGIN SUMMARY:  The Charge convened two EAC 
meetings on July 20th, 2005, to discuss security concerns 
with regard to unrest in Sanaa as a result of the 
removing of subsidies for basic staples. Vandalism and 
rioting have broken out throughout the city and host 
government security forces are on a high state of alert. 
EAC members noted no specific threats against the American 
community at this time.  A Warden message was issued by 
the Embassy and a travel warning was issued advising 
Americans to defer non-essential travel to and inside 
Yemen. RSO assets continue to monitor the streets of Sanaa 
for potential security problems over the next several 
days. The American community remains on a high state of 
security alert and Embassy employees have been advised to 
remain home during this weekend. Key offices and personnel 
represented included: DAO, FPD, RMAS, CONS, OMC, POL/ECON, 
and RSO. END SUMMARY. 
 
 
2.  (C)  Charge reviewed today's unrest in Yemen 
sparked by the lifting of subsidies resulting in 
price increases. At 0900 hours Embassy Surveillance 
Detection Units (SD), Local Guard Force (LGF) members 
and Embassy employees began reporting the clustering 
of angry crowds numbering from 500 to 2000 people at 
most major intersections in Sanaa.  At two EAC meetings 
held at 1400 and 1615 hours EAC members shared witness 
reports of unrest throughout the country to include: 
Robberies and the burning of houses, looting and random 
acts of vandalism to include the ransacking of local 
stores, the overturning of vehicles and the destruction 
of Western restaurants,  Smoke pillars were visible 
throughout the city. Roads in the city have been blocked 
by burning tires, large stones, collapsed telephone poles 
and dumpsters.  Shots have been fired throughout Sanaa. 
There have been no reports of AMCIT fatalities.  However, 
the National Security Bureau (NSB)is reporting three 
civilian (3) fatalities and members of the Ministry of 
the Interior (MOI) have reported the death of six (6) 
soldiers of the Central Security Force (CSF).  Also 
reported but not confirmed are the deaths of ten (10) 
people rioting in front of the Presidential Palace. 
Several attacks on government installations and corporate 
buildings have been confirmed to include the Yemen Central 
Bank and the Spacetel cellular phone corporation.  Several 
Embassy vehicles have been attacked by rock throwing crowds 
and one Embassy fully armored vehicle has been fired on and 
hit by one round resulting in no injuries. 
 
3.  (C)  Yemeni security forces have repeated that they 
have the situation under control. Large military trucks 
have been seen in Sanaa carrying fifty to seventy five 
troops each equipped with batons, face shields, and gas guns 
to dispense tear gas.  A crowd of 200 protesters headed 
in the direction of the AMEmbassy was successfully blocked 
and redirected by CSF and MOI troops. RSO requested and 
received additional security assets from the MOI. Host 
nation forces have bolstered the number of soldiers 
guarding the Embassy perimeter. 
 
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 Post Actions 
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4.  (C) All permanent Embassy staff members and TDYers 
have been accounted for. The Charge has informed the 
department and the Embassy has issued a Warden message 
advising the community of the situation.  An additional 
travel advisory will be issued warning Americans to avoid 
travel to Yemen for the next 72 hours.  TDY personnel will 
be contacted not to come to Post at this time.  Embassy 
staff are currently being escorted home by host nation 
security forces. Embassy employees are being asked to 
remain home this weekend and to remain alert for messages 
over the Embassy emergency message system.  RSO is in 
contact with multiple government and corporate contacts 
regarding today's events will monitoring Sanaa over the 
weekend particularly after Fridays prayers for any signs of 
continuing unrest. 
5.  (C)  The core EAC will remain in communication over the 
weekend to assess developments. 
 
Khoury