http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/09/14/state_department_sets_up_24_hour_monitoring_team_for_embassy_crisis

Posted By Josh Rogin

State Department sets up 24-hour monitoring team for embassy crisis


The State Department has gone into full-blown crisis mode, organizing a round-the-clock
effort to coordinate the U.S. government's response to the expanding attacks on
U.S. embassies in the Middle East and North Africa.

"The State Department has stood up a 24-hr monitoring team to insure appropriate
coordination of information and our response. In addition, our consular team
is working with missions around the world to protect American citizens and
issue appropriate public warden information," a senior State Department
official told reporters Friday afternoon.


"We have been monitoring events in the Middle East and North Africa intensively
today, and working with our personnel and missions overseas and host
governments to strengthen security in all locations and to respond effectively
where protests have turned violent," the official said.


The official noted that U.S. embassies in Libya and Yemen have been reinforced with
Marine FAST teams and noted that other unspecified measures are being taken to
strengthen embassy security around the region. The State Department is working with
the governments in Tunisia and Sudan to increase security at the U.S. embassies
there as well, the official said.


The U.S. Embassy in Tunis was breached by rioters who replaced the American flag
with the black banner of al Qaeda. According to Tunisian state television, at least three Tunisians
died when security forces open fire in an effort to disperse the crowd; another rioter was killed in Sudan, Reuters reported.


"The secretary, other department principals, and
our ambassadors and charges in the field have been in constant contact with
regional leaders, and we appreciate the many public statements that leaders
have made in recent days condemning the attack in Benghazi, denouncing violence
and calling for calm," the official said.


The White House said in a memorandum
to Congress Friday that the Marine FAST teams will be there are long as
they are needed but will be limited to the mission of protecting U.S. assets
and personnel.


"Although these security forces are equipped for combat, these movements have been undertaken
solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and property. These
security forces will remain in Libya and in Yemen until the security situation
becomes such that they are no longer needed," the White House memorandum
stated.