ID:192311
    Date:2009-02-17 08:59:00
    Origin:09MALABO13
    Source:Embassy Malabo
    Classification:UNCLASSIFIED
    Dunno:
    Destination:O 170859Z FEB 09
FM AMEMBASSY MALABO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0448
INFO ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY LIBREVILLE IMMEDIATE 
AMEMBASSY MADRID IMMEDIATE 
AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE IMMEDIATE 
AMEMBASSY MALABO 

    
UNCLAS MALABO 000013 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER/ JERMAINE WALKER 
AF DUTY, CHRIS LAMORA 
CA/OCS, RYAN HALEY 
CMS, DOUG KONEFF 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PTER, PREL, EK, CASC, PGOV, PINR 
SUBJECT: MALABO:  ATTACK IN THE VICINITY OF PRESIDENTIAL PALACE 
 
REF: TELCON:  O. MOSS:  CA/OCS RYAN HALEY; AF DUTY, CHRIS LAMORA; 
CMS, DOUG KONEFF; DS COMMAND CENTER, J. WALKER 
 
1.  In the early morning hours of February 17, 2009, an apparent 
attack was launched in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace 
in Malabo, Equatorial Guineas.  While reports remain sketchy, at 
least two speedboats with armed attackers were apparently 
engaged by EG military before dawn.  Gunfire, to include 
automatic weapons fire, could be heard for more than an hour 
from various points downtown near the old port.  In response, 
the GREG has closed the ports of Malabo and Luba as well as 
airports at Bata and Malabo. 
 
2.  GREG officials report the situation is now under contol, and 
post can confirm that gunfire has subsided.  Increased military 
presence is in evidence around the city.  A warden message will 
be sent out as soon as possible requesting U.S. citizens limit 
travel to essential activities and to remain vigilant.  Post 
will also distribute the language via local OSAC channels. 
 
SMITH