MALACCA STRAIT – The navies of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have warned tanker operators that they have received information that an unnamed terrorist group is planning to attack tankers in the Straits of Malacca and asks that all shipping in the area report any suspicious actions to the authorities.
All three countries are also to step up naval patrols to attempt to counter any possible threat.
An advisory issued by the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Information Fusion Centre states that: “The terrorists' intent is probably to achieve widespread publicity and showcase that it remains a viable group.
“However, this information does not preclude possible attacks on other large vessels with dangerous cargo.”
Though the Malacca Strait would appear the easiest place to attack shipping, with the choke point just 1.7 miles at its narrowest point and around a third of the world’s oil shipping passing through it, the warning also extends up the eastern coast of Malaysia as well.
The problem of security is compounded by the fact that previous attacks on tankers have in the past been undertaken by small vessels such as fishing craft and speedboats, which tend to profilerate in the Strait.
As a result the navies are warning that all shipping should take full measures to protect themselves by increasing their watches and making personnel aware of the threat. (pic: RSN Seahawk coming in to land. © RSN)
