Week 31 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot
Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents
01 August 18 Iranian Navy Exercises in Straits of Hormuz. The Iranian Navy and maritime elements of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps conducted a mass exercise aimed at demonstrating their capability to seal the Straits of Hormuz against international shipping. The likelihood of them conducting such an attack unprovoked remains low, however regional tensions remain high. 02 August 18: Mass Casualties in Al Hudaydah Airstrike. At least 60 civilians were killed by a coalition airstrike against Houthi-held areas of the port. There is a realistic possibility that the Houthi will seek to target Saudi or coalition vessels in response for the attack.Mediterranean – Maritime Security Incidents
August 18: Korean and Philippine Warships Deployed to the Libyan Coast. Both the Philippine and South Korean navies have directed warships to the Libyan coast following the kidnap of nationals from both counties from an infrastructure project in the south of the country. It is possible they will seek to conduct rescue operations. August 18: Korean and Philippine Warships Deployed to the Libyan Coast. Both the Philippine and South Korean navies have directed warships to the Libyan coast following the kidnap of nationals from both counties from an infrastructure project in the south of the country. It is possible they will seek to conduct rescue operations.Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents
01 August 18: NNRC Report Extent of Crude Theft in Nigeria. The Nigerian National Resource Charter issued a report highlighting that crude thefts from the Delta region exceeded the value of the state’s combined health and education budgets. Whilst the data used to support the conclusions is not completed up to date, the report demonstrates the industrial scale of criminal activity against extractive industries in the region.South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents
26 July 18: Attempted Boarding in Bantangas Anchorage. A lone individual aboard a small boat attempted to board a bulk carrier at 13°44’N 121°02’E using a hook and rope. Crew members raised the alarm and the attacker fled 02 August 18: Abu Sayyaf Insurgents Surrender in Sulu. Up to 11 members of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered to security forces in the Sulu Sea area of the Philippines. The group previously relied on kidnapping of seafarers to fund its operations. 04 August 18: Additional US Security Funding Announced. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, announced an additional $300 million of funding towards maritime security cooperation and humanitarian support between ASEAN states.Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 31 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 31 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.