Maritime Terrorism as an evolving threat

Background and Introduction of Maritime Terrorism

Maritime Terrorism refers to illegitimate activities that lead to the disruption of peace and cause violence, instability, alarming circumstances as well as destruction under the Maritime domain. The Maritime domain includes ships, ports, offshore facilities etc. Maritime Terrorism does not hold any imperious definition as such, making it difficult to define it. However, it can be best understood and put into words as formation of armed rebellions to achieve evil motives at national or international levels which involves tactics or strategies inculcating political struggles as well as instability among the masses or the economy either permanently or temporarily. It is also due to its intertwining with the concept of piracy, that makes it challenging to find a proper generalised definition. The UNCLOS ( United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) annotates Maritime Piracy as any act of violence that includes criminal outlook against any means of transport within the international waters. Maritime Terrorism is distinguished by its political and ideological motives.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) identifies Maritime Terrorism as activities that threaten the safe navigation of ships or maritime trade, often with the intent to coerce or influence a government or international body.

Even though Maritime Terrorism doesn’t culturally prevail as a form of terrorism in global history, significant events such as 9/11 have led to its considerable rise. The RAND Terrorism Database states that only 2% of all the international incidents fall under maritime terrorism over the past 30 years. Its lesser share in terror and war does not waive the need for taking meticulous actions towards the rise of this form of terrorism since it does hold the potential to cause a turmoil in international trade, politics, and threats towards international security. Risk mitigation towards maritime terrorism is only possible by understanding the concept of it, the complexities involved and the steps that have been taken previously for the same.

The table above throws light on the Maritime Terrorism incidents in between 2004-2007, apportioned by year and region. A total of 46 incidents took place over these 4 years, with 2005 notes 21 incidents out of the 46. This year recorded 49 deaths, 70 wounded, and 75 hostages.

The year 2007, regardless of lesser number of incidents, a sizeable higher number of 56 hostages was recorded.

Geographically, South East Asia witnessed the highest number of incidents i.e. 9 in addition to 138 deaths and 33 hostages.

The Middle East also shows a frequency in the number of incidents marking them as highly threatened areas. Moreover, countries such as Colombia and Indonesia also outlined several events of fatalities and instability.

The table significantly stresses upon the fact that the impact of these events and casualties caused by it are huge regardless of the less frequencies creating a strife for Maritime Peace during that period.

Steps taken by the international community to battle against Maritime Terrorism

A blend of military enterprise, lawful plans and frameworks along with values of cooperation have led to certain significant

moves towards maritime security at the global level.

• Legal Instruments

1. UNCLOS –  UNCLOS provides the legal groundwork against piracy and maritime terrorism.  The states are allowed to take actions towards pirate ships on the high seas and its provisions grant states the authority to take action against pirate ships on the high seas and restrains them from acts of terror.
2. SUA- The SUA convention acquired in 1988, is specifically directed towards maritime terrorism. It forbids any activities that involve violence against ships and mandates the prosecution or extradition of offenders. The 2005 SUA Protocol proposed further additional courses of action including the right to board and inspect ships suspected of involvement in terrorist activities.
3. ISPS CODE – The ISPS Code is given by the IMO which upholds security norms for ships and port facilities. It asks for the bringing out security plans that provide a course of action and response to threats such as terrorism.
4. PSI – PSI was set in motion in 2003 as a multilateral effort to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) via maritime routes. It focuses on cooperation between states to intercept suspicious shipments and prevent the acquisition of WMD-related materials by terrorist groups.

•   Military Cooperation and Initiatives

1. OEF-HOA : With its main focus on counterterrorism, this is a U.S.-led military operation that promotes stability in the Horn of Africa. It executes maritime security operations that aim to prevent terrorism in crucial waterways such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
2. CMF : CMF refers to a naval partnership, multinational in nature which undertakes several operations that fight against piracy, terrorism and smuggling in some of the prominent maritime regions which includes the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. It encourages association among member states to foster awareness about the maritime territory.
3. Regional Cooperation : Certain region specific initiatives, such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), emphasise on increasing cooperation among neighbouring states to make an attempt towards discussing and resolving maritime security threats. They make efforts in terms of sharing of information, joint patrols, and capacity-building initiatives.
4. Capacity building and training : International organisations such as the IMO and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), launch programs to amplify the maritime security capabilities of states, and most importantly vulnerable regions. Training, equipment, and technical assistance to enhance the ability of states and make them capable of responding to maritime terrorism is provided through these programs.

• Evolving Technological Advancements

1. Maritime Surveillance Systems : The utilisation of advanced surveillance systems, including satellite-based monitoring and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has proved to be a major achievement in terms of detecting and responding to maritime threats. These technologies give you the provisions for acquiring real-time data and the ability to detect and respond to maritime threats, quicker and more effectively.
2. Cybersecurity measures : Cyberattacks are a major concern for maritime safety with the rapid growth of digital world, which creates a need for protection against cyberterrorism and security of maritime networks and systems.
3. Private Sector Engagement : With the collaboration between the private (includes shopping companies and port operators) and the public sector, the protection of sea routes and implementation of maritime security measures is carried out efficiently.

Conclusion :

Even though the percentage of terrorism in oceans remains to be a small fraction, its evolving threat cannot be undervalued. Perpetual and consistent efforts towards the substantiation of stronger legal arrangement, increased awareness, establishment of advanced technology and collaboration of states on the conflict, we can strive to achieve safeguarded maritime trade and other interactions over the waters, despite purely beyond local theatres, holds utmost importance for international safety.