Terror on The High Seas

Mega Terror came into our lexicon with 0/11. The aviatioin industry was badly hit by this epochal event. As per the UNCTAD, today there are 46,000 Merchant Ships and over 4000 ports worldwide. These constitute a huge vulnerability and a target system just waiting to the hit by the terrorists. Today, al-Qaida is down but not out. In 1998, Osama Bib Laden had established the International Islamic Front (IIF) that included many other organisations apart from the al-Qaida. The Bali and Madrid bombings proved that these other fundamentalist organizations were alive and active. In this book, the author (a Merchant Navy Officer himself) has traced this probable ‘Trajectory of Terror’, that might lead from the air and land in to the sea. He has analysed the prevalence of Maritime Crime (Flags of Convenience, Phantom Ships frauds, piracy, smuggling etc.) in the Shipping Industry and shown how these could be exploited by the terrorists. Based upon extensive research, the book highlights some probable terrorist attack scenarios. A Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), exploded in a US port by a Jehadi terrorist, could lead to a shutdown of all the US ports for 7 to 10 days or more. This book highlights the growing convergence of the phenomena of piracy and terrorism. It also highlights the global initiatives to counter these threats (including the ISPS Code and the American container Security Initiative). It analyses the threat to Indian shipping and ports including terrorist attack profiles on shipping, their tools and weapons used the possible counter measures. He cautions against a reactive mind set that would let a disaster happen before we respond. He explores proactive and innovative solutions offered by technology and trade. An extensively researched book, it is a must read for all those concerned with Maritime Shipping and Trade. This book alerts us to mega terror events that may well take place on high seas and congested ports. Today, the warning signals are palpable and ominous.