Following on from the alert two weeks ago about a potential terrorist threat to shipping in the Malacca Strait comes an advisory from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) that intelligence indicates a raised likelihood of attacks by Al-Qaeda on vessels transiting the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden along the coast of Yemen.
MARAD states that though the nature of the threat is unknown it is suspected that any terrorist action may be similar to the attack against the USS COLE in October 2000 or the MV LIMBERG in October 2002, where a small boat loaded with explosives was detonated after ramming the vessels.
They also warn that any attack may be more conventional with the use of RPG rockets or missiles.
Though they are advising that the attacks may take place in any of the waters around the Arabian peninsula or Horn of Africa, MARAD state that they believe vessels are at most risk in the afore-mentioned areas.
All vessels transiting the waters in the vicinity of Yemen are urged to operate at a heightened state of readiness and should maintain strict 24 hour visual and radar watches, and regularly report their position/course/speed to UKMTO. Vessels are at greatest risk in areas of restricted maneuverability and while in port or at anchor.
Merchant vessels are requested to report any suspicious activity to UKMTO either by phone at +971 50 552 3215 or email: ukmto@eim.ae
Anyone wishing more information on the MARAD alert should contact Robert Ford at the MARAD Office of Security at maradsecurity@dot.gov
(pic: Damage to the USS Cole)
