MARITIME TERRORISM IS ON THE RISE WHETHER WE NOTICE IT OR NOT

Most maritime issues for most people are out of sight and out of mind. While 90% of world trade happens by sea and 99% of the world’s telephonic and internet communication traverses submarine cables, many people cannot believe our level of reliance on the maritime domain, much less appreciate it. The resulting invisibility of the maritime space has become a major draw for criminals and nefarious actors who thrive in pursuing illicit objectives where no one is looking. Among those bad actors, terrorists have found a particularly attractive opportunity to use the 70% of the earth that is covered in water in order to advance their own interests.

Terrorism is not simply about spectacular attacks. It is about financing, logistics, preparation and sustainment. When thinking of “maritime terrorism,” however, most only ponder major incidents like the bombing of the USS COLE in 2000. Many do not even think of the Mumbai terrorists who launched their horrific attacks in November 2008 by sea. Fewer still think of Abu Sayyaf using maritime smuggling of fuel to develop the logistics and sustainment needed for the Siege of Marawi in May 2017. And almost no one thinks of the use of maritime trade to finance groups like Hezbollah or Al Shabab until it is too overwhelming not to notice.

Read more: Diplomatic Courier