INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Security Briefing to Diplomatic Missions in Iraq

Published: Sun 31 Jul 2005 06:36 AM
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003158
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
FROM AMBASSADOR KHALILZAD TO THE SECRETARY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER
SUBJECT: SECURITY BRIEFING TO DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN IRAQ
TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON METHODS TO
PROTECT PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES
REF: BAGHDAD 3137
1. (SBU) On Tuesday, August 2nd, the U.S. Embassy Iraq will
offer an expansive "how to" security session to members of
the diplomatic community in Baghdad. This briefing, will
be conducted by Post's Regional Security Office, Political
Military Office, U.S. Military, and Iraqi Police and
Military. This briefing will cover the full range of
physical, technical, procedural, and personnel security
measures necessary to operate safely and effectively in
Iraq's current security climate. More than 50 missions,
including Coalition, Arab, and other diplomats , have been
invited, and a large number are expected to attend. Post
believes that this session will communicate our commitment
to assist the diplomatic community in countering the
threats directed against them.
2. (SBU) The topics to be presented include:
--Overview of the Security Environment: Current threats and
trends by the Anti-Iraqi Forces (AIF) and insurgents in the
greater Baghdad area and throughout Iraq.
--Physical Security of Facilities and Residential
Compounds: The use of physical barriers to deter
vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and unauthorized
access, as well as those designed to minimize damage and
casualties caused by explosions, indirect fire, small arms
fire, and other methods of attack common to Iraq. In
addition, the importance of effective training and
deployment for uniformed security in and around diplomatic
facilities.
--Access Controls and Badging: The use of badging and other
identification media to deny unauthorized access, including
an overview of proper procedures to employ at checkpoints.
This topic will also include an explanation of current U.S.
Mission badging procedures.
--Protective Security Details (PSDs) The importance of and
proper uses for personal protective details, including
tactics and techniques developed by various PSDs to counter
the multitude of different threats directed against
diplomatic personnel moving outside the International Zone.
--Surveillance Detection Practices and Techniques:
Effective techniques and programs for detecting and
responding to possible hostile surveillance of both
facilities and individual diplomatic members.
--Technical Security Equipment: An explanation of best
practices in employing locks, alarms, walk-thru and
hand-held metal detectors, explosive detection equipment,
and cameras to enhance the overall security posture of a
diplomatic facility and/or residence.
3. (SBU) The briefings will be presented by the Regional
Security Office personnel who possess extensive experience
in the day-to-day operations of Post's security program.
Brigadier General Horst, 3rd Infantry Division, Assistant
Division Commander for Maneuver, will be addressing the
group. His Division has responsibility for the greater
Baghdad area, where most of the Diplomatic Missions to Iraq
are located. BG Horst will discuss the overall security
environment and will provide guidance on who to contact for
help in an emergency. Major General Razak, the Baghdad
Chief of Police and other senior members of the Iraqi
military units from the area will also be invited to attend
and meet the diplomatic community.
4. (SBU) Post has cast a wide net in developing a list of
invitees and nearly all of Baghdad's diplomatic community
is expected to attend. A full list of attendees, as well
as a report of the proceedings, will be sent septel after
the session.
5. (SBU) Mission and MNF-I are engaged now in an intensive
effort to identify capabilities that would be offered to
foreign diplomats to help them improve their security.
Given recent attacks directed specifically at non-U.S.
diplomatic personnel in Iraq, Post fells strongly that this
event will provide our diplomatic colleagues with
much-needed guidance in developing effective security
programs. As stated in reftel, FM Zebari raised the
possibilitty
of allowing some of the diplomats to move into the
International Zone. On July 29, Ambassador raised the issue
with PM Jafari-who responded favorably to the idea. He will
instruct his people to see what they can find in the
International Zone.
Khalilzad
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