Pakistan training pirates? August 30, 2011
Posted by Chris Mark in weapons and tactics.Tags: Chris Mark, InfoSec, Maritime Security, Piracy & Maritime Security, somali pirates
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According to an article published on Zeenews India claims to have “material evidence” that Somali pirates are receiving training in Pakastan. According to the article, the training is intended to support a proxy war against India. Whether this assertion stands up to scrutiny remains to be seen. If however, Somali pirates are receiving formal training by foreign governments it would suggest a much deeper problem for shipping companies. As the story develops we will provide more information.
Taiwanese Captain Killed by US Ordnance during AP Operations July 24, 2011
Posted by Chris Mark in Piracy & Maritime Security, weapons and tactics.Tags: Chris Mark, gulf of aden, InfoSec, Rudyard Kipling, Somalia
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According to the Taipei times a Taiwanese shipping captain was killed when when the US Navy disabled the JCT 68 with munitions during anti-piracy operations. The ship had been hijacked and used as a pirate “mothership” since March 30, 2010. This post will no go into great detail on this particular event rather let this be yet another example of why it is too late to act AFTER the pirates have taken control of the ship. Rudyard Kipling wrote about the British combat in Afghanistan. His poem the Young British Soldier was intended to provide both insight into the situation as well as direction for young soldiers. One of the last stanzas says:
“When you’re wounded and left on Afghanistan’s plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An’ go to your Gawd like a soldier.
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
So-oldier of the Queen”
The point of this post is that in some instances being captured by certain people is so horrific that it is likely better to “…go to your Gawd like a soldier” than be captured. I was in Somalia in 1994 and have seen first hand some of the atrocities that people who have been born and lived in a persistent state of combat can inflict upon their fellow man. While this post is not intended to articulate these atrocities I would suggest that whether on the plains of Afghanistan or on a ship being hijacked by Somali pirates, one is better served to take any action possible to keep being placed in their hands.
So what is the answer to the increasingly aggressive and violent pirates? From a tactical perspective it is a comprehensive practice of defense in depth with the final piece being professionally trained and experienced armed guards on ships. Certainly from a strategic level we all want their to be stability in Somalia to deal with the issue but as of right now it is imperative that shipping companies take steps to ensure their crews do not fall into the hands of Somali pirates.
Dulce Bellum Inexpertis July 21, 2011
Posted by Chris Mark in Piracy & Maritime Security, weapons and tactics.Tags: Chris Mark, InfoSec, Maritime Security, Piracy & Maritime Security, risk management, Somalia
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Loosely translated as war is sweet to those who have never experienced it the latin phrase is particularly relevant today. On LinkedIn and other sites, people are crying out for “shooting pirates on site!”. While this sounds emotionally compelling at times, it should be carefully considered. Many armed guards in the industry today have combat experience. While these men (they are all men) are capable of action to prevent a ship hijacking each one will tell you that their preference is to see the ship out maneuver or out run the pirates rather than shoot a single shot.
It is always easy to view gunfights as depicted in movies. The reality is a lot less entertaining and certainly more frightening than depicted. It is always a bit dismaying to hear people talk of ‘killing pirates on sight’ and ‘bombing them into submission’. While pirates are a plague that we need to protect against, we need to be cognizant of the consequences.
Currently there are estimated to be 29 ships and over 600 people being held by pirates in and around Somalia. What would or could happen to the hostages if pirates were “shot on sight”? Pirates in Somalia are currently demanding reparations from South Korea for an attack that killed several Pirates? In addition, there rumor that Pirates are currently searching for some European ships that inadvertently killed some fishermen in the belief that they were pirates. What will happen to the crews of the ships?
I am not advocating for a catch and release program or treating pirates with kid gloves. The reality of defense is often more complex than it may appear. While ‘shooting on sight’ may sound appealing, it is not quite as simple as it sounds.
Tanker with Millions of Barrels of Oil Ablaze In GoA July 6, 2011
Posted by Chris Mark in Piracy & Maritime Security, weapons and tactics.Tags: armed security, Chris Mark, InfoSec, maritime piracy, Maritime Security, Piracy & Maritime Security
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Bloomberg reports that an oil tanker was attacked approximately 20 miles from Aden and wet ablaze. The 274m Brillante Virtuoso was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden and reported ablaze at 0037z. The 26 crew members are reported to be OK and the ship is currently being pulled by two tugs. The ship was attacked when approaching port to take on unarmed guards, it is reported.
Pirate Ransom Payments going to Somali Militant Groups July 6, 2011
Posted by Chris Mark in Laws and Leglslation, Piracy & Maritime Security, Risk & Risk Management, weapons and tactics.Tags: Chris Mark, InfoSec, maritime piracy, Maritime Security, Piracy & Maritime Security, risk management
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According to John Steed, the principal military adviser to the U.N. special envoy to Somalia and head of the envoy’s counter-piracy unit, said links between armed pirate gangs and Somalia’s al Qaeda-affiliated rebels were gradually firming.
“The payment of ransoms just like any other funding activity, illegal or otherwise, is technically in breach of the Somalia sanctions regime if it makes the security situation in Somalia worse,” said Steed.
“Especially if it is ending up in the hands of terrorists or militia leaders — and we believe it is, some directly, some more indirectly,” said Steed, a retired military officer. For those who believe it is still all speculation, an Al Shabab representative confirmed the arrangement:
“If there was no relationship between us, there is no way the pirates would be able to operate, or carry their weapons within zones we control,” said an al Shabaab militant based in the pirate haven of Haradhere, north of Mogadishu.
Unfortunately, this means shipping companies may be in violation of international sanctions if they pay ransoms to the pirate groups. Under the terms of the arms embargo on Somalia, financial support to armed groups in the Horn of Africa country is banned. Both the United States and Britain regard al Shabaab as a terrorist organisation.
The best course of action for shipping companies is to ensure that their ships are adequately protected from takeover.
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