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Date: 18th September 2019Series 13/Issue 195

Weekly Security & Risk Report

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The Security and Risk 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 conflict are directly impacting on maritime opera-tions; and

• Reporting and analysis of incidents of terrorism, pi-racy and other related criminal activity. MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering first hand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST is entrenched 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 prod-ucts 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 pertaining to all maritime affairs.

Follow MAST on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep abreast with these insightful weekly reports and more — including real time security updates.

Editor: David Riderwww.mast-security.com

Issue 195

Contents:

Mast Services

Indian Ocean region

Somalia

Yemen

Mediterranean

Libya

Gulf of Guinea

South East Asia

Central & South America

Severe Weather Warnings

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18th September 2019

24/7 Emergency Telephone+44 (0) 1202 045 833 (Maritime)

MAST UK+44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com

Issue 195 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 report-ed and analysed, focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.

4MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

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Hijack

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Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity Theft

Incidents: 1. Underway yacht approached by speedboat with 6 armed POB at 0338 UTC in position 16:30N - 040:08E, around 55nm West of Eritrean coast, Red Sea. Yacht reported hijacked. Awaiting further details/conformation. Reported (Sources) 17th Sept.

Iran says it seized a new vessel for diesel smugglingIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has report-edly seized a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz for allegedly smuggling diesel fuel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). State television broadcast footage on Monday 16th from the deck of a trawler-sized ship with open hatches showing tanks full of what appeared to be fuel. News reports said 250,000 litres (66,000 gallons) of diesel was on board.

Kenya still pushing for out-of-court deal with SomaliaDespite the court case before the International Court of Jus-tice (ICJ), Kenya says it prefers an out-of-court settlement. Kenya wants to still take up the African Union’s suggestion for direct talks with Somalia, to prevent the maritime dispute from snowballing into a bigger conflict.

Hormuz Strait Tensions Threaten Asian Energy Security, Agri-culture, Industrial SectorThe narrow strategic waterway through which nearly a third of the world’s sea-bound oil supplies pass has witnessed a spike in tensions between Iran and the US/UK ‘maritime security coalition’ following a series of escalations this summer. Con-cerns over the security of the vital Hormuz Strait as a key eco-nomic route include not only fears over the energy resources which pass through it, but other exports, including aluminium and petrochemical goods, according to an analysis by Japan’s

Nikkei Asian Review.Iran signs $440M deal with local firm to develop Gulf gas fieldIran signed a $440 million contract on Saturday 14th with lo-cal company Petropars to develop the Belal gas field in the Gulf, Iranian state television reported, saying the country’s vi-tal energy sector was active despite US sanctions. Under the deal signed with a sub sidiary of the state-run National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Petropars is to produce 500 million cubic feet per day of gas, state TV said.

Iranian targeting of shipping in the Arabian Gulf ‘changes the game’ by raising risksInsurance and shipping leaders said specific targeting of UK and US crew by Iran has left the industry to grapple with es-calating tensions between Tehran and the West. Nick Busvine, a partner at the strategic intelligence firm Herminius, told The National the drive from Tehran to take British and American hostages while targeting commercial shipping in the Arabian Gulf “changes the game” for the insurance industry.

Middle East shipping stabilized by UK navyBritain’s decision to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz has helped to stabilize commercial shipping through the critical chokepoint weeks after Iran seized a UK-flagged tanker in the region, a top British navy official said on Thursday 12th. Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, the Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander, said it had “committed quite a few ships, aircraft and other capabili-ties to the Strait of Hormuz area because it’s a live issue”.

To see MAST’s services in the Indian Ocean Region, please click here.

Indian Ocean Region The Indian Navy has successfully tracked down the Chinese warships operating close to the Indian waters. The development has come amid concerns over the increasing Chinese pres-ence in the Indian Ocean region. India Today TV has accessed exclusive pictures of the Chinese Amphibious warship Xian and missile frigate close to the Indian waters, regional media reported on Sept. 16th.

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Control of Somali territory (March 2017) Source: Wikimedia Commons

AnalysisAl Shabaab continues to mount operations throughout the coun-try, despite efforts by US Central Command to degrade its capa-bilities with ongoing airstrikes which aim to remove AS leader-ship. It is questionable as to whether this “body count” policy is working. Threat AssessmentThe political situation has seen increased tension between re-gional states and the Federal Government. Should this continue, there is an opportunity for criminal organisations to return to their previous maritime activities. Al Shabaab continues to challenege the government and efforts to disrupt its operations continue, although AMISOM forces will withdraw some time in 2019. The trade in illegal charcoal by terror and crime groups continues, al-though the Combined Maritime Forces and UN are working on measures to prevent it. Youth unemployment in Somalia has not improved with 67% of Somali male youths aged between 14 to 29 unemployed. Pirate financiers offer lucrative and attractive op-portunities, and were seen to be increasingly active in the last inter-monsoon period. Recent incidents off Somalia have high-lighted the robust protections offered by both BMP5 and well trained, vigilant armed protection teams. Illegal fishing has re-turned to the region and there are wider political concerns that it could spark a resurgence in maritime crime unless checked. There is a risk that complacency in some quarters has seen a reduction in PMSC presence in these waters that could result in a piracy success. A lack of adherence to BMP5 protocol, particu-larly not maintaining a safe distance off the coast, has increased risks to shipping. 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 as-sessments and register with UKMTO/MSCHOA prior to entering the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA).

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

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

SomaliaThe Al Shabaab militant group launched a series of attacks on Saturday 14th that led to the death of at least 17 people in Somalia. Lower Shabelle region officials told VOA Somali that the militants attacked the town of Qoryoley late Saturday using rocket propelled grenades and heavy ma-chine guns, killing nine people. The town’s Mayor Sayid Ali Ibrajim told VOA that an RPG fired by the militants caused most of the casualties.

Kuwait bans Somalia charcoal trade over terror financingThe Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait has advised concerned officials in the ministry to tighten control over the markets and ban the import of Somali charcoal, fearing the money earned from coal export may be indirectly used in fi-nancing terrorist activities, as suggested by reports from the UN.

3 killed in attacks targeting prime ministerAt least three people were killed on Saturday 14th in twin at-tacks allegedly targeting Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, police said. Mustaf Abdirahman, a police officer in Low-er Shabelle region told Anadolu Agency over the phone, the first attack was a grenade explosion which took place while Khaire was addressing a large crowd in the port city of Marka.

AU urges troops to enhance operations to allow aid flowThe African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Saturday 14th called on the troops to intensify fight against Al Shabaab to secure main supply routes to enable the free movement of goods and people. Nakibus Lakara, deputy force command-er in charge of operations and plans at the AMISOM told the troops to forge ahead with clearing and securing various main supply routes, mentoring Somali security forces, and conduct-ing joint offensives with the Somali National Army as dictated by the Somali Transition Plan.

10 Al Shabab militants killed, several arrested near Merca cityMore than ten Al Shabab militants were killed and several were arrested near the ancient port city of Merca in the southern Lower Shebelle province of Somalia, Garowe Online reported on the 13th, citing state media reports. The Somali army car-ried out an operation last night near Merca city where some militants were killed and several were captured alive.

11 people arrested for child smugglingAt least 11 people including 8 women were arrested in So-mali capital Mogadishu for child smuggling after Somali po-lice launched an operation to dismantle a child smuggling network, officials said on Thursday 12th. Somali police deputy commissioner Brig. Gen. Zakia Hussen said in a Twitter state-ment that the police dismantled a child smuggling network in Mogadishu after a month of investigation and operation.

Somaliland suspends construction of UAE military airfieldSomaliland announced on Saturday 14th that it has suspend-ed the construction of a UAE military airfield in the port city Berbera, Garowe Online reports. The president of the self-de-clared republic, Muse Bihi Abdi, said the controversial airport that has been under construction for months as part of the United Arab Emirates military base would now be converted for civilian use.

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Control of Yemen territory (September 25th 2018)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Houthi

Pro Hadi Government Forces

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Controlled by Southern Transitional Council

YemenYemen’s Houthi movement said on Monday 16th that Saudi Aramco’s oil processing plants were still a target and could be attacked at “any moment”, warning foreigners to leave the area. The attacks on Aramco plants in Abqaiq and Khurais in the kingdom’s eastern region were carried out by drones with normal and jet engines, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a tweet.

Yemen faces an existential threat, says UN special envoyYemen faces an existential threat, the United Nations special envoy, Martin Griffiths, has said, as he prepares to brief the UN security council on the country’s devastating, multi-fac-eted conflict. Griffiths told the BBC that Yemen faced “the risk of fragmenting and threatening its own existence, which is a massive threat to stability in the region”.

Nato chief ‘extremely concerned’ about escalationThe head of the Nato military alliance has said he is extremely concerned that tensions will escalate after an attack on Saudi oil facilities. Jens Stoltenberg also said Iran was “destabilising the whole region”. “We call on all parties to prevent any such attacks occurring again because that can have negative con-sequences for the whole region, and we are also extremely concerned about a risk of escalation,” Mr Stoltenberg told the AFP news agency in an interview.

Saudi oil attacks: US intelligence ‘shows Iran involved’The United States has issued satellite images and cited intel-ligence to back its claim that Iran was behind attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iran denies involvement in Saturday’s air attacks, which were claimed by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen. But unnamed US officials speaking to US and international media say the direction and extent of the attacks cast doubt on Houthi involvement.

Iran says it’s ready to work for Yemen peace with U.N. and othersIran is ready to cooperate with the United Nations and coun-tries seeking peace and stability in Yemen and the region, an Iranian government spokesman said on Monday 16th, after weekend attacks on Saudi oil sites claimed by Yemeni forces aligned with Tehran.

Houthis Obstruct Oil Tankers to Threaten Maritime SecurityThe Iran-backed Houthi militias’ refusal to implement a legiti-mate Yemen government order on collecting customs fees on all oil derivative revenues at Hodeidah port has led the halt of ten vessels in the Red Sea. On Houthi orders, the oil tankers

did not pay the revenues and did not disclose the certificate of origin of the shipment that ensures its legality.

Tribal militia attack STC checkpointTribal militiamen attacked a checkpoint of forces aligned with the Transitional Political Council for the South (STC), a south-ern Yemeni secessionist movement, in al Mahfad district in Abyan governorate in southern Yemen on September 13. The tribal militiamen injured STC official Nasser Ali Awad al Haz-alah in the attack. STC-aligned forces have clashed with forces aligned with President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s govern-ment since early August.

Ongoing instability in HadramawtUnidentified militants detonated an improvised explosive de-vice (IED) targeting members of the Hadi government-aligned 23rd Mechanized Brigade in Hadramawt governorate in east-ern Yemen on September 13. This was the second IED attack in Hadramawt in two days.

Random Houthi shelling kills 9 in Yemen’s Hodeidah Fighters of the Houthi rebel group launched a random artillery shelling against residential areas in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Friday 13th, leaving 9 civilians killed, a govern-ment official told Xinhua. “The Houthis indiscriminately fired their artillery shells against the residential areas in Tuhyata dis-trict, leaving nine civilians killed at the scene,” the local official said on condition of anonymity.

To see the latest threat analysis and Yemen port information in MASTOPDEIA, please click here.

MAST recommends BMP measures be enforced and watches strengthened during transits in the region.

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Migrant crossings 2016-2019. Source: UNHRC

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Migrant statistics in the Mediterranean (Figures last updated on Sept. 17th 2019). Source: UNHCR

Mediterranean BBC News reported on Sept. 15th that 82 migrants have disembarked on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa after six days at sea. Italy says it is allowing the ship, the Ocean Viking, to offload the migrants as most of those on board will be relocated to other EU countries. The move signals a change of approach to migration from the new coalition which took office on Tuesday.

Italy: Navy, coastguard officials charged in migrant deathsA judge in Rome has indicted two high-ranking Italian offi-cials for their alleged role in the deaths of hundreds of refu-gees. Some 268 people, including at least 60 children, died in the Mediterranean Sea on October 11th, 2013, after Italian and Maltese authorities allegedly waited hours to respond to emergency calls as their vessel slowly sank.

Migrant ‘torturers’ in Libya arrested in ItalyItalian police arrested three people on Monday 16th accused of kidnapping, torturing and trafficking people hoping to set sail from Libya to Europe. A 27-year-old man from Guinea and two Egyptians, aged 24 and 26, were taken into custody at a detention centre in Messina in Sicily after police gath-ered testimony against them from other migrants.

Mediterranean Migrant Arrivals Reach 53,844 in 2019IOM reports that 55,918 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through 11th September, roughly a 30 per cent decrease from the 77,528 arriving during the same period last year. Deaths recorded on the three main Mediterranean Sea routes through almost seven months of 2019 are at 929 individuals – or about 51 per cent of the 1,828 deaths con-firmed during the same period in 2018.

EU extends Operation Sophia a further six monthsThe European Union has agreed to extend its Operation So-phia anti-migrant-smuggling mission along the Libyan Medi-terranean coast by six months. It will now run until the end of March 2020 — however, actual naval operations remain halted. The decision to extend Operation Sophia was taken by EU member states’ representatives on the Political and Security Committee (PSC) in Brussels but it still has to be of-ficially signed off by the bloc’s respective governments.

The current migrant smuggling situationFollowing the installaton of a new government in Italy, it appears that there has been a thawing in their approach to migrant disem-barkation at Italian ports. We have already seen one vessel dock in Italy, and German authorities have indicated that they are hap-py to accept a percentage of migrants landing in the country. At the same time, September has seen larger numbers of migrants attempt the crossing; to date, over 6,000 have made the trip so far in September, although figures remain broadly down, year on year. Concerns are growing over conditions in Libya itself, however, with more reports of maltreatment in refugee camps and inves-tigations continue, while hostilities in Libya itself remain a key driver of migration.

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Control of Northern Libyan territory (Nov. 7th 2018)

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

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

LibyaLibya’s UN-recognized government on Saturday 14th said forces loyal to rival military command-er Khalifa Haftar attacked Mitiga International Airport in the capital Tripoli. In a statement, the Government of National Accord said the international airport - open to civilian use - was hit by a Grad missile.

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Haftar’s forces attack Sirte from air, official saysEastern Libyan forces on Monday 16th mounted air strikes on a military position in the city of Sirte held by the internationally recognised government, an official told Reuters. The Tripoli-based government said on its Facebook page that drones had carried out strikes against the positions of a force allied to it.

Serraj government condemns reported Tarhuna mass mur-der by pro Hafter forcesThe internationally recognized Libyan government based in Tripoli and led by Faiez Serraj yesterday condemned ‘‘in the strongest terms’’ reports of the alleged mass assassination conducted by pro Hafter forces against their opponents in Tar-huna. It said that it condemns the ‘‘series of heinous crimes’’ against the people of Tarhuna by ‘‘criminal gangs’’ who are supporters of Khalifa Hafter’s Karama (dignity) movement. It reported that there had been ‘‘tens’’ murdered across Tarhuna on Sunday 15th. It likened the act to ‘‘mass genocide’’ and said this could only be carried out by those ‘‘devoid of religious or humane principles’’.

Head of Libya’s Presidential Council: Haftar’s Tripoli offensive will be defeatedThe Head of the Libyan Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj has reaffirmed that the Libyan Army forces are going to contin-ue to defend Tripoli and the civilian state against the offensive of Khalifa Haftar’s forces. In a meeting with the commanders of Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation on Sunday 15th, Al-Sarraj said their priorities include providing for the frontlines, taking care of injured fighters and people, displaced people, and working on unifying the military institution in the country.

Two commanders allied to Libya’s Haftar killed in strike near TripoliTwo commanders of the eastern Libyan forces trying to take the capital Tripoli from the internationally-recognised govern-ment were killed late on Friday 13th in a drone strike, officials said. The strike is a blow to Khalifa Haftar’s eastern-based Lib-ya National Army (LNA), which in April launched a campaign

to take Tripoli. So far that offensive has not breached the city’s southern defences.

Libyan government forces target Haftar-held airbaseLibya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) targeted Al-Jufra airbase, controlled by forces based in the east of the troubled country. GNA’s forces announced in a Friday statement that “warplanes carried out combat sorties on anti-aircraft and pro-Haftar ground forces at Al-Jufra base yesterday night [Thursday] and Urban town on Friday (13th) morning.”

WHO says medicines provided to Libya with Italian supportThe World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said that medicines have been provided to Libyan hospitals, with the support of the Italian government. “This week, the World Health Organization is providing medicines and supplies to treat thousands of patients across Libya,” WHO tweeted.

Germany seeks to host Libya conference this yearGermany aims to host a conference about Libya this year in conjunction with the United Nations to try to stabilise the oil producing country, where rival factions have been fighting over the capital, Germany’s ambassador to Libya said. The plans, which are still in the early stages according to diplo-mats, are the first major diplomatic push since eastern forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar launched in April an offensive to take the capital Tripoli.

Libya army captures six of Haftar’s militias south of TripoliThe Volcano of Rage Operation confirmed it had captured six of Haftar’s gunmen while attempting to infiltrate the Ramla axis, south of Tripoli. It further explained on Facebook that its forces also managed to seize an armed vehicle, in addition to quantities of ammunition, machine guns, and RPG rounds.

To read MAST’s Libyan Country report on MASTOPEDIA, please click here.

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MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

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Gulf of GuineaThe Nigerian Navy has restated that private armed guards are still not permitted on merchant vessels in Nigeria. Rear Admiral, Begroy Enyinna Ibe-Enwo, representing the Chief of Naval Staff, confirmed this last week at the West Africa Shipping Summit in London, as part of highlight of events at the London International Shipping Week. At the event, both NIMASA and the Navy acknowledged the challenges in securing the Nigerian maritime domain and affirmed the col-laboration between both organisations to stem the incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea.

Incidents: 1. Four robbers armed with a gun and knives boarded an an-chored Marshall Islands-flagged product tanker at 0250 UTC in position 09:25N – 013:44.1W, around 5nm SSW of Conakry, Guinea. They took hostage the duty AB, tied his hands and forced him to lead them to the bridge. Once inside the bridge the robbers took hostage the Duty Officer and forced him to lead them to the Captain, Chief Engineer, third officer and bo-sun’s cabins. After looting the cabins, the robbers locked the crew in a cabin and escaped. Crew personal belongings, cash and ship’s properties stolen. SSAS activated; Duty Officer tried to contact local authorities via VHF but no response. Reported (IMB) 16th Sept. (Not shown on chart.)2. Eight persons in a speed boat boarded a fishing vessel con-ducting fishing operations at 2200 UTC in position 04:10.26N - 008:55.33E, around 4.3nm SW of Idenao, Cameroon. The per-petrators kidnapped two crew members and escaped. Cam-eroon Navy notified and investigations are ongoing. Reported (IMB) 13th Sept.3. Unnoticed, robbers boarded a berthed Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier during cargo operations at 0700 UTC in position 04:03.10N - 009:41E, Port of Douala, Cameroon. During routine rounds in the morning, it was noticed that the store’s padlock was broken and door hinges damaged and bent. After checking, several ship’s properties and stores were reported stolen. Port Authorities informed. Reported (IMB) 12th Sept.

Nigeria Loses $600m Annually to Illegal Fishing - ReportNigeria is losing $600 million annually to illegal and unreport-ed fishing by foreign vessels as a result of lack of equipment such as Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Vessel Mon-itoring System (VMS), and adequate manpower to police the country’s vast coastline, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

Nigeria: Losing war to vandals, oil thievesWith 45,347 breaks inflicted on Nigeria’s fuel pipelines in 18 years, thieves and vandals appear to be winning war against government and oil multinationals. For the umpteenth time, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) penulti-mate Wednesday announced collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to deepen war on crude oil theft. Describing theft and vamdalisn as a menace, the two institutions declared a full-fledged war on crude oil theft and attacks on oil and gas facili-ties.

Navy uncovers illegal refining site in Akwa IbomThe Nigerian Navy, NSS Jubilee, in the Ikot Abasi Local Gov-ernment Area of Akwa Ibom State, has uncovered an illegal Automotive Gas Oil refining site in Esena, Eket Local Govern-ment Area of the state. Local media reported that the discov-ery was made when a team of navy personnel on patrol got information of illegal operation going on around the Qua River in Eket.

In Ghana, Chinese Trawlers Strip Fisheries Using Local CoverWest African waters are some of the most overfished in the world, with high levels of illegal and unreported fishing. For-eign-flagged vessels from big fleets, including those of the EU and China, are encroaching on traditional fishing grounds. In Ghana, as many as 100 trawlers are targeting the same fish that artisanal fishermen have been catching for generations. But they’re also targeting juvenile fish, meaning populations cannot recover. In other parts of West Africa, EU vessels are frequently entering artisanal zones to illegally catch fish, im-pacting the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.

To see MAST Services in the region, please click here. And and to read Nigeria’s country report, please click here.

10MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

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South East AsiaThe United States has added Abu Sayyaff Group sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who is said to be the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Philippines, to its list of global terrorists. Along with Sawadjaan, a female named Almaida Marani Salvin was also included in the US Treasury’s sanctions blacklist. Salvin was said to have “materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support ” to ISIS-Philippines.

Incidents: Nothing significant to report.

AFP opens sea, land, air interoperability exerciseThe Armed Forces of the Philippines officially opened on Mon-day 16th its joint exercise “DAGIT-PA” at the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command at Camp Aguinaldo. DAGIT-PA, which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa,” is an AFP-wide exer-cise aimed at enhancing interoperability among the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army. It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Op-erations Forces, Cyber Group and reservists.

Military seizes bomb-making material in SuluThe military recovered nearly a ton of a bomb-making inputs during an operation in Sulu on Saturday 14th. In a statement on Tuesday 17th, the Joint Task Force Sulu said authorities have seized at least 700 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and an-other bomb component, an 81-mm mortar fuse in Barangay Latih in Patikul town over the weekend.

Singapore, Thailand naval exercise begins in IndiaThe aim is to bolster maritime relationships and contribute sig-nificantly to enhancing overall maritime security. The maiden trilateral naval exercise involving India, Singapore and Thailand commenced at Port Blair on Monday 16th. The exercise was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ad-dress at Shangri-La dialogue in June 2018.

Philippines, US plan 300 ‘security cooperation activities’ in 2020The Philippines and the United States have agreed to conduct more than 300 security cooperation activities next year. This was the result of the recently-concluded 2019 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) at military

headquarters Camp Aguinaldo.

China, Malaysia seek to resolve South China Sea disputes with new dialogue mechanismChina and Malaysia have agreed to set up a joint dialogue mechanism for discussing South China Sea issues at a time of simmering tensions between Beijing and its neighbours over the disputed waterway. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi an-nounced the plan after meeting his Malaysian counterpart, Saifuddin Abdullah, in Beijing on Thursday 12th.

The future of Philippine maritime enforcementIllicit activity in the Sulu and Celebes Seas continues to pose a daunting maritime security challenge for the Philippines. The recent kidnapping of nine fishermen off the coast of Borneo and the increasingly violent modus operandi of the militant Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have raised safety concerns amongst Philippine policy makers and local communities. Although the Philippines has initiated several maritime enforcement initia-tives, including the extensive National Coastal Watch System (NCWS), the government needs to enhance cooperation be-tween land-based and maritime operations and increase en-gagement between military and civilian agencies to improve regional maritime stability.

To see MAST’s services in the region, please click here.

11MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

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Central and South America Fish er men and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) is again call ing for Gov ern ment to take ur gent mea-sures to pro tect fish er folk. This fol lows an in ci dent which has left a fish er man fight ing for his life af ter he was at tacked by pi rates in the seas off Ica cos. Pe ter Granger, 37, of La Lune, Moru ga, Trini-dad, was shot in the back at around 10 am last Wednes day (11th) as he tried to es cape from Span-ish-speak ing pi rates. Luck i ly, the shots fired by the pi rates missed Granger’s broth er, Christo pher, who was able to steer the boat to Ica cos beach.

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 na-tional 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.

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Note: The forecasts are correct as of the day before publication. For latest updates please follow the provided links.

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Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, North Atlantic and eastern North Pacific Oceans

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 Na-tional Meteorological Services. For further information on severe weather warnings please click here.