------------------FB2F61 141423Z /38
R 141322Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2750
UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003110
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH ETHIOPIAN FEDERAL POLICE TO DISCUSS
CURRENT SECURITY ENVIORNMENT
REF: A. ADDIS ABABA 003065
B. ADDIS ABABA 003050
C. ADDIS ABABA 03083
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On November 13, 2008 the Ambassador and
RSO met with Deputy Commissioner Hassen Shiffa to discuss the
current security environment. RSO also presented a request
for additional host government security support at the U.S.
Embassy and for other Mission facilities, as well as, the
International Community School. END SUMMARY.
2. (SBU) On November 13, 2008 the Ambassador and RSO meet
with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassen Shiffa to discuss the
current security environment in Addis Ababa. NOTE: While
traveling to the Federal Police Headquarters RSO observed the
placement of large trucks to block direct vehicular
approaches to the front of the building and main vehicle
access point. Placement of these vehicles may indicate that
the EFP has taken action in response to information it is
developing regarding potential targeting. Further, it
indicates the level of seriousness GOE attributes to the
developing threat information. END NOTE. DC Shiffa began
the meeting by stating that GOE efforts in countering the
threats posed by numerous groups, both indigenous and
external, thru arrests and continued investigation have been
successful in disrupting any potential terrorist plans thus
far. DC Shiffa further stated that most of the individuals
they have taken into custody are support elements and not
operational. The Ambassador informed DC Shiffa that the U.S.
Embassy has also taken action in response to the potential
threat by cancelling the Marine Ball and was ordering its
personnel not to run in the upcoming Great Ethiopian Run. The
Ambassador also added that there would be a public
announcement, coordinated with Washington, made to U.S.
citizens regarding the current security climate in Addis
Ababa and the actions the U.S. Embassy was taking in response.
3. (SBU) RSO presented DC Shiffa a request for additional
EFP support. RSO requested an increase of the number of EFP
assigned to the U.S. Embassy, which would double the number
of officers posted at the perimeter, and the deployment of
heavier caliber weapons at the main access points to the
compound. RSO also requested an increase in the number of
police patrols at other Mission facilities. DC Shiffa agreed
to the requests and stated that he would coordinate a
subsequent meeting for the RSO with the commander of the
EFP's Anti-terrorism Unit. The EFP Anti-terrorism Unit would
be one of the first units to respond to the Embassy and have
more specialized training than the EFP officers assigned to
the compound. However, DC Shiffa stated that aside from
hostage rescue the officers assigned to the Embassy are part
of the Special Commando Unit and receive the same training
except for the more specialized training components. NOTE:
RSO has already met and continues to laise with the local
commander of the unit assigned to the Embassy. END NOTE.
4. (SBU) Post continues to monitor the security
environment and will make adjustments in it's response as
required.
YAMAMOTO