Terrorism Goes to Sea

Abstract

The number of pirate attacks on ships has tripled in the past decade, putting piracy at its highest level in modern history. This article discusses modern piracy, highlighting the link between piracy and terrorism. Today's pirates are often trained fighters aboard speedboats equipped with satellite telephones and global positioning systems. They are often armed with automatic weapons, antitank missiles and grenades. Most disturbingly, piracy on the high seas is becoming a key tactic of terrorist groups. Many of today's pirates are maritime terrorists with an ideological bend and a broad political agenda. This nexus of piracy and terrorism is especially dangerous for energy markets: most of the world's oil and gas is shipped through piracy-infested waters. In recent years, terrorists have targeted pipelines, refineries, pumping stations and tankers. Sixty percent of the world's oil is shipped by slow and cumbersome tankers. While land targets are relatively well protected, the sea routes that connect Western and Asian economies with the Middle East are more vulnerable than ever. The war on terrorists at sea will require a long-term effort that focuses not only on ways to fight terror at sea, but on how to cushion the economic blow in case of a major disruption of oil traffic. Projects designed to bypass dangerous chokepoints are also important.