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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”19th July 2017 Issue 85
Intelligence Report Series
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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The Maritime Intelligence Report Series focuses on:
• Operational risks in areas of instability which could affect the safety of commercial and private vessels and personnel ashore and at sea.
• In country reporting on key countries where civil con-flict are directly impacting on maritime operations; and
• Reporting and analysis of incidents of terrorism, pi-racy and other related criminal activity. MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering firsthand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST isentrenched and committed in continuing to supportand promote the awareness of the very real risks thatseafarers and other stakeholders face. This Intelligence Report Series is a brief snapshot ofMAST’s Intelligence capabilities. MAST Intelligencespecialises in providing clients with a suite of products and services, including; political and economic risk analysis, detailed port and vessel security briefs, vessel passage plans, threat and risk mitigation and travel risk management. Working closely in conjunction with a host of experts,MAST Intelligence offers a market leading service per-taining to all maritime affairs.
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Editor: David Riderwww.mast-security.com
19th July 2017
Issue 85 of the series reviews, analyses and threat assesses the fragile and conflict affected coastal states Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The Mediterranean migrant crisis, incidents affecting maritime security and influencing maritime news are also reported and analysed, focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Issue 85
Contents:Mast Services
Indian Ocean region
Somalia
Yemen
Yemen Ports
Mediterranean
Libya
Gulf of Guinea
South East Asia
Central & South America
Severe Weather Warnings
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Indian Ocean Region India, Japan and the United States have sent some of their largest warships and submarines to the Indian Ocean for the Malabar 2017 naval exercise. The week-long exercise began on Monday 10th and involve more than 15 warships, including the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz. Also taking part are the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, and Japan’s largest warship, the JS Izumo.
Incidents: Nothing significant to report. New security warning for Gulf of Aden regionNew advice from Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) issued on July 16th says that recent attacks against merchant shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandeb have highlighted there are still risks associated with transits through these waters. Daylight attacks by small boats using small arms, rocket propelled gre-nades, and Waterborne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED) have been conducted against the tankers MV Galicia Spirit in October 2016 and MT Muskie in May 2017. The CMF’s guidance can be found in our Yemen section.
China sends troops to Djibouti baseOn Wednesday 12th, China dispatched troops to its first over-seas naval base in Djibouti. This is being seen as a major step forward for the country’s expansion of its military presence abroad. Ships carrying Chinese military personnel departed from Zhanjiang in southern China’s Guangdong Province.
Iran, Russia hold joint naval drillsCiting Tasnim news agency, Xinhua reported on Saturday that the Russian fleet, including Russia’s Makhachkala battleship
from the country’s Caspian Sea Marine Brigade, took part in the drills.
Spectacular end to Malabar Naval drillAs the weather turned to rain in the Indian Ocean, the trilateral naval exercise Malabar 2017 between India, the United States and Japan had a spectacular ending on Monday 17th, with 15 ships coming up in a formation in the Bay of Bengal, around 90 miles from the Chennai coast.
Threat AssessmentTo read about MAST’s services in the Indian Ocean Region, please click here.
Hijack
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity Theft
1st December 2015 HRA limits
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SomaliaA senior Somali intelligence official says United States and local forces have raided a rebel-held village in southern Somalia and killed several Al Shabaab extremists. The official says Somali commandos ac-companied by U.S. forces in two helicopters raided two locations early Thursday 13th. They included a detention centre run by Al Shabaab in Kunya-Barrow village in Lower Shabelle region, and detainees were freed.
Control of Somali territory (February 2017) Source: Wikime-dia Commons
Somalia detains ship that caused internet outage, demands compensationSomalia has been without internet connection after the MSC Alice vessel reportedly cut undersea cables. The vessel had brought goods to a port in the capital Mogadishu when the ac-cident occured. The country’s Attorney General has confirmed that the vessel is currently detained. As of July 18th, the coun-try’s internet access had been restored.
Al Shabaab demands ransom for the release of kidnapped aid workersAl Shabaab has demanded $200,000 to set free seven humani-tarian workers, including four women and a driver, who are cur-rently being held captive in Al Shabaab-held Dalandole district in Bay region. The workers were abducted on Saturday 15th.
Uganda Police Force to send new peacekeepers to SomaliaUganda Police unit six has been flagged off to Somalia for peace-keeping mission. The advanced team of 13 officers left Uganda
this Saturday 15th. Around 140 officers will travel to the coun-try, Ugandan sources stated.
Al Shabaab/ISIS• Al Shabaab claimed to detonate an IED targeting AMISOM troops near Mahaday town, Middle Shabelle region, central So-malia on July 17th.• Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for a wave of grenade at-tacks in Mogadishu on July 12th. The group claimed to have killed at least four soldiers. • AS clashed with SNA soldiers in Daar Maclin near Bardhere, Gedo region, southern Somalia on July 12th. SNA soldiers killed two al Shabaab militants in the clashes.
AnalysisAl Shabaab continues to mount operations against civilian and military targets in Somalia, seizing military bases and equip-ment before being driven off by AMISOM forces. The behead-ing of nine Kenyan civilians will likely spur the Kenyan Defence Forces and AMISOM to mount retaliatory raids in the coming weeks, such as those in Puntland. Threat AssessmentPirate action groups remain a threat to shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Approaches in the BAM and Red Sea remain commonplace and all vessels should update their Risk Assessments accordingly. Pirate attacks off Somalia and suspicious approaches in the Gulf of Aden continue to be a cause for concern. The ongo-ing threat to shipping in the region has been made clear by the military bodies which monitor the region. A lack of adher-ence to BMP4 protocol, particularly not maintaining a safe distance off the coast, has increased risks to shipping. BMP4 advises: “non-Somali fishing vessels should avoid operating or transiting within 200nm of the coast of Somalia, irrespective of whether or not they have been issued with license to do so”. Merchant vessels would be wise to maintain the same distance from the coast, particularly ensuring that the Socotra Gap isn’t taken. All vessels are advised to update risk assessments and register with UKMTO/MSCHOA prior to entering the Indian Ocean High Risk Area.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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Under control of Al Shabaab and allies Under control of neutral forces Under control of Government and allies Somaliland Government Territory disputed by Puntland and Somaliland
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Control of Yemen territory (July 17th 2017)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
YemenAl Houthi-Saleh Supreme Political Council President Saleh Ali al Samad stated on July 13th that the transfer of Hodeidah port is contingent upon an end to the Saudi-led coalition’s naval blockade. China is mediating negotiations between the UN and the al Houthi-Saleh faction for the transfer of Hodeidah port to a neutral third party.
Banks in Aden suspend services after robberiesBanks in the city of Aden closed for three days from Monday 17th and suspended clearing services in protest after a spate of armed robberies, 12 lenders said in a letter to the central bank.
AQAP/ISIS• AQAP militants attacked al Houthi-Saleh forces in Dhi Na’im using landmines, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and ma-chine guns on July 13th and July 14th.
Threat Assessment On June 14th, a UAE coalition warship was struck by a missile as it left the port of Mokha in Yemen. The attack was claimed by Houthi rebels and video claiming to be of the night attack was posted on social media channels, showing a large explosion on impact. The coalition reports that one crew member was injured during the incident and that the ship suffered minimal damage. There is industry speculation that the type of missile used in the attack was not fit for purpose against a warship, and could in fact have been a anti-tank missile. The successful attack on June 14th demonstrates that the Houthi’s retain the capabil-ity to accurately launch missiles from shore to sea. It should be noted that all missile attacks to date during the Yemen civil war have been directed at military targets, not commercial vessels. However, the risk of mistargeting or collateral damage remains.
To read the MAST assessment of the incident, please click here. June saw nine suspected approaches and incidents involving multiple skiffs off the Yemen coast in the Bab el-Mandeb. Weap-ons were sighted on board the majority of the vessels which shadowed and followed MVs. Media reports that Houthi rebels have been planting sea mines in the waters around Hodeidah
Port are a clear concern for merchant vessels transiting the region and CSOs should ensure their risk assessments are up-dated. Accounts of suspect activity, including approaches have been recorded in the eastern IRTC within the vicinity of al Mu-kallah. New advice from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), rec-ommends that merchant traffic transiting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea are advised to pass through the area between 44 00 East in the Gulf of Aden and 13 00 N in the Southern Red Sea during the hours of darkness and exit the Traffic Separation Scheme to the West of the Hanish Islands in daylight hours. The frequency of these incidents, where vessels are approached and in some cases attacked by armed men in small boats, in-dicates that the threat assessment remains ‘Substantial’ – an attack is a strong possibility. The Yemen civil war is on-going and there has been some spill over into the maritime domain. Houthi’s have specifically targeted the Saudi coalition with pre-cision weapon systems. The apparent continued use of locally produced moored mines by the Houthi’s off the Port of Hodei-dah is of concern, given that sea mines are more indiscriminate in terms of their potential targets. These mines might become a threat to shipping should they float free into the BAM shipping lanes. Reports that Houthi rebels attacked a ship off Mokha on June 26th remain unconfirmed.
MAST recommends BMP measures be enforced and watches strengthened during transits in the region. In the Gulf of Aden, MAST’s advice for passage planning is to follow the guidance laid down by UKMTO/MSCHOA and the latest from the CMF. Vessels should keep clear of al Mukallah and remain in the IRTC, where warship protection is more likely.
Houthi
Pro Hadi Government Forces
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM)
The UN’s Secretary-General has decided to institute a UNVIM for the facilitation of commercial imports to Yemen, at the request of the Government of the Republic of Yemen and in line with Security Council resolution 2216 (2015).
UNVIM is operational with immediate effect. Shipping companies or vessel owners shipping commercial goods or services to any port not under the direct control of the Government of Yemen (Salif, Mokha, Hudaydah and associated oil terminals) need to ap-ply for permits upon departure of the port of origin of their cargo. For further details click here.
UN arms embargo imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 2216 of 2015 is in place.
Port Aden:
• The port of Aden is under the protection of the Republic of Yemen security forces.
• Merchant vessels wishing to enter Yemeni ports must first apply for a permit through the Yemeni Ministry of Transportation; contact: [email protected] for more information.
• Final clearance to enter Yemeni ports (with permits in place) is authenticated by the coalition guard ship.
• Port Ash Shihr: Fully operational.
Port Salif: Fully operational.
Port Hudaydah: Fully operational.
Port Mokha: Status - Closed: Currently classified as ‘Not Safe’.
Port Al Mukalla: Fully operational.
Port of Balhaf: Status - Closed: LNG terminal remains closed. Now under control of Saudi and Yemeni forces.
Port of Ras Isa: Status - Closed. Safer oil terminal remains closed, Safer Company (SEPOC) does not allow vessels to berth at Safer Marine Terminal if they do not have an agreement signed by them according to the protocol between buyer and Yemeni government.
Yemen PortsNothing significant to report.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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Mediterranean IOM, UN Migration Agency, reports that 103,175 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2017 as of 12th July, with almost 85 per cent arriving in Italy and the remainder divided between Greece, Cy-prus and Spain. This compares with 240,014 arrivals across the region through to 12th July 2016.
Far-right group sends ship to confront NGO boatsDefend Europe, a group linked to the European anti-Islam and anti-immigrant “identitarian” movement, is currently sailing a 25-crew 422 tonne vessel to the Libyan coast in a bid to block search-and-rescue vessels operated by humanitarian organi-sations. Such moves may contravene SOLAS laws and EUNAV-FOR Med/Frontex will likely monitor the situation.
Italy’s draft code of conduct for refugee rescue ships ‘threat-ens thousands of lives’A draft of the code leaked to Amnesty International and Hu-man Rights Watch (HRW) would force them to allow police of-ficers on board and return immediately to port, rather than transferring migrants to other ships, as well as banning them from entering Libyan waters.
Sarraj wants Libya’s air force to tackle human traffickingThe head of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) has requested the “use of aviation” by the country’s armed forces to combat illegal emigration, Italy’s state news agency has reported.
EU to curb rubber boat sales to LibyaEU foreign ministers have agreed to restrict exports of inflat-able boats and outboard motors to Libya in a drive to curb the smuggling of migrants. The restrictions will not apply to le-gitimate Libyan businesses, such as fishing crews, an EU state-ment said. It is not clear how the EU will check that such ex-ports do not end up in the wrong hands in the lawless country.
The current migrant smuggling situationNews that a ‘right wing’ mission is to set to sea in order to stop NGO rescue missions has caused alarm. The legalities of their op-eration raise a significant number of questions and MAST is aware that human rights lawyers are watching the situation closely. EUNAVFOR Med is likely to monitor the group, as is the Italian Coast Guard who now coordinate NGO rescue missions. The Italian government and Coast Guard are currently finalising the proposed Code of Conduct, although it is already proving un-popular with rescue groups who claim it could lead to significant loss of life. While the numbers of migrants attempting the crossing in July have increased, the figures are still down for the same period last year. A further 16,000 migrants would need to cross before the end of the month to meet that figure.
Map depicting major migrant routes in the Mediterranean (July 18th 2017). Source: UNHRC
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Migrant crossings 2015-2017. Source: UNHRC
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LibyaEgypt’s army forces foiled an attempt to smuggle arms into the country through its western border with Libya, the military said on Sunday 16th. The Egyptian air forces launched a reconnaissance mission on Saturday 15th following intelligence received that “criminals” in 4x4 vehicles were in the process of crossing into Egypt, the army said in a statement.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
US envoy holds talks with Haftar in JordanAmbassador Peter Bodde reportedly held talks with Khalifa Haf-tar on the Libyan crisis. The US embassy confirmed the meeting on July 13th, saying that the US envoy called on all Libyan fac-tions to reduce tensions and “move toward a compromise on the basis of the Libya Political Agreement (LPA).
AnalysisField Marshal Haftar has announced the liberation of Benghazi, as expected, although fighting continues in the Kharabish neigh-bourhood of the city. Haftar’s meeting with the US ambassador and staff from AFRICOM in recent days will raise concern in the Government of National Accord (GNA). While the talk publicly was of peace, the meeting further shores up Haftar’s authority and relationships with both Russia and the US. There have been no updates on when peace talks between the House of Representatives (HoR) and GNA may resume. The increase in Libyan oil production continues to dent OPEC ef-forts to reduce oversupply and control prices, with the oil price losing ground once again as Libyan production hits 1.1 million barrels per day. Libya will likely resist efforts to cap production, given its economy is still recovering and oil exports are a signifi-cant revenue stream. There are political considerations at play, too, since the largely independent National Oil Company (NOC) would have to request Haftar’s forces support their effort to re-duce production. Oil industry sources say that there is further talk aimed at capping production in the country, but traders say that demand for oil is now beginning to outstrip supplies, which may have some bearing on any negotiations between OPEC and Libya’s NOC.
Ports currently operational in Libya are: Mellitah, Zawiyah, Trip-oli, Misrata, Marsa El Brega, Tobruk, Al Khoms, Marsa El Hariga. Farwah, Bouri, Zuwarah, Zuetina and Es Sider.
Threat AssessmentWith Libya’s focus on maintaining oil output in order to feed the economy, there are risks to the oil and gas sector from militias loyal to the GNA unity government who have attacked termi-nals and pipelines in the past. Recent calls by the National Oil Company (NOC) to the EU, asking for EUNAVFOR engagement in anti-fuel smuggling interdictions are unlikely to be met by the EU. Instead, further equipment and training has been offered to the Libyan Coast Guard. The suggested Code of Conduct for NGO rescue missions operating off the coast of Libya would see the Coast Guard given more control over rescue missions, and further equipment and funding has been promised by the EU this week. This may see an increased CG presence in the region and Masters should be aware.Vessels should ensure they have the correct permission from the appropriate authority before entering Libyan waters. There have been reports of Libyan Coast Guard vessels abusing their power, particularly concerning migrants. The majority of vessels calling at Libyan ports are trouble free, however there is scope for vessels to encounter local issues. It is advised that before visiting a risk assessment is conducted on the area of operation and the fast moving political and military situations monitored closely.
MAST is able to provide risk assessments and crew training to improve situational awareness and risk appreciation. The addi-tional threat to shipping should not be taken lightly.
Control of Northern Libyan territory (July 18th 2017)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Controlled by the Tobruk led government
Controlled by the Government of National Accord
Controlled by ISIS
Controlled by local forces
Controlled by Tuareg forces
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Gulf of GuineaYakubu Dogara, speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, says the country loses an estimated $1.5 billion to piracy monthly. Dogara spoke on Monday 17th while opening a public hearing on the bill to amend the maritime operations coordinating board act. The speaker said according to 2012 reports (MAST does not know why that year was chosen when more recent data is available), the number of vessels attacked in the West African sub-region had reached a world record high.
Incidents: 1. Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel attacked and board-ed by 5-6 pirates at 0652 UTC in position 04:07N - 007:00E, around 18nm SSW of Bonny Island, Nigeria. Crew into citadel, Pirates left the vessel, headed toward another vessel. Vessel and crew safe. Reported July 13th (MDAT).
Nigerian Navy foils attempted hijack of merchant shipThe Nigerian Navy said it successfully foiled an attempted hijack of a Merchant Vessel, MV UAL HOUSTON, around Bonny Fair-way Buoy, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. “On sighting the naval patrol boat, the robbers abandoned their hijack plot and fled,” Mr. Dahun said.
Nigerian Navy reaffirms commitment to protect nation’s mari-time domainThe Nigerian Navy (NN) on Saturday 15th reiterated its com-mitment to continue to protect the nation’s maritime domain against crude oil thieves and other criminal activities.
Nigeria navy warns against posting on social media about op-erationsRear Admiral Victor Adedipe, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, gave the warning at NNS Ju-
bilee Base in southern Akwa Ibom State. “I know a good num-ber of us belong to several groups, either family group or social group, but know what you post on social media,” Adedipe said.
Navy seize 5 vessels, arrest 76 suspected oil thieves in RiversThe Nigerian Navy says it has impounded five vessels and two metallic barges illegally transporting 1,690 metric tons of die-sel, in an operation in Rivers State, Niger Delta. Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Vic-tor Adedipe, said on Thursday that the command had handed over the vessels, barges and 76 suspects to prosecuting security agencies in Onne, Rivers.
Threat AssessmentTo read MAST’s current Threat Assessment on the Gulf of Guin-ea region, please click here.
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity
Theft
4°30’
5°00’
4°00’
3°30’
7°00’6°30’ 7°30’5°00’ 5°30’ 6°00’ 8°00’4°30’
6°00’
5°30’
3°30’ 4°00’
Hijack
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South East AsiaDaesh-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorists brutally shot to death one of three remaining Vietnamese sailors they kidnapped last year off Basilan in the country’s Muslim south, officials confirmed on Thursday 13th. The military said that a bullet-riddled body of Vietnamese national Tran Viet Van was recovered in Barangay (village) Buhanginan in Patikul town, Sulu province.
Hijack
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity
Incidents: Nothing significant to report.
2 Abu Sayyaf suspects behind sea-jacking, kidnaps off Sabah, nabbedTwo suspected Abu Sayyaf members were separately arrested in Tawi-Tawi on Thursday 13th. Brigadier General Custodio Par-con, commander of Joint Task Forces Tawi-Tawi and the trilat-eral maritime patrol INDOMALPHI (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philip-pines), confirmed the arrest of Ara Samindi in Lagaan Island in Taganak town, and Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Omar Harun alias Abu Halipa in Poblacion Taganak, also in Taganak.
Abu Sayyaf kidnap four workers in SuluSuspected Abu Sayyaf group members kidnapped four workers in Patikul, Sulu on the morning of Saturday 15th, after forcing their way into the workers’ campsite, the military said.
MMEA’s east coast bases stretched thin due to overcrowding, lack of resourcesMaritime bases off the South China Sea are facing increasing challenges while being cramped with hundreds of seized illegal fishing boats and detained foreign fishermen. The over-crowd-ing is also affecting the effective operations of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)’s east coast region. Up to 400 foreign vessels, comprising almost entirely Vietnamese
fishing boats, have been docked at the MMEA’s limited parking jetties in Kuala Terengganu, Tok Bali and Kemaman in Tereng-ganu as well as Kuantan, Pahang in recent years.
Threat AssessmentTo read MAST’s current Threat Assessment on the South East Asia region, please click here.MAST is able to provide an armed protection solution to clients transiting the region. Please contact us for further details.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Theft
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Central and South America Mexico is planning to build its own Panama Canal in the state of Oaxaca. Governor Alejandro Murat recently announced plans for the construction, which will connect the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic by way of the port of Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. Murat said officials are still working out some logistics. The Governor’s office is working with the federal government to bid on a speed train that connects the two oceans, over 186 miles apart.
Incidents: Nothing significant to report.
Standing advice: The repercussions of a vessel being caught acting as a mule with drugs stowed will depend on the type, amount and national laws, but may be disruptive and costly. When and if operating in these areas, especially Columbia and Peru, it is advised that: • Potential stowage areas such as rudder shafts are denied as far as possible, and/or routinely searched. • Access points are closely monitored by a vigilant watch for the duration of the vessel’s call at port.
Hijack
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity
Theft
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Severe Weather Warnings Warnings detailed on this page are from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and are issued by respective Regional Specialised Metrological Centres, Tropical Cyclone Centres or National Meteoro-logical Services. For further information on severe weather warnings please click here.
Note: The forecasts are correct as of the day before publication. For latest updates please follow the provided links.
MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 [email protected] www.mast-security.com
Nothing significant to report.