MAST’s weekly security report issue 329 is available to read now.
In Maritime news, the Nigerian Navy continues to uncover significant levels of illegal oil product refining. In a two-week period, its personnel recovered over 6 million litres of stolen product. OPEC reports that Nigeria’s oil rig production has dropped by over 37%, with a fall in the number of operational rigs.
In the Indian Ocean Region, Iran has again interdicted vessels suspected of smuggling contraband fuel in the Persian Gulf. EU NAVFOR personnel have made four further seizures of illegal narcotics at sea, removing thousands of kilos of drugs from the region.
In European waters, V.Group has asked NATO to consider providing naval escorts to merchant ships in the Black Sea, while the IMO notes that the proposed Blue Corridor which would allow ships to leave Ukrainian ports has so far failed due to the risks posed to navigation by wrecks and naval mines. The IMO believes that at least 84 ships and around 500 crew members remain trapped at Ukrainian ports.
In Land news, al Shabaab continues efforts to disrupt Somali politics, with a suicide bombing at a popular beach restaurant and an attempt on the life of a government minister. In Yemen, Houthi rebels have released a number of hostages, including a British family. MAST also rounds up the latest developments in the conflict in Ukraine, and news that al Qaeda claim to have captured a member of Russia’s Wagner group in Mali.
In the UK, businesses in Jersey have received counter terrorism training from specialist police officers. UK politicians are increasingly concerned over reports of drink ‘spiking’ in public bars and a school near London saw some staff and pupils go into lockdown following an incident outside the premises.
For further details on the above and for more security news from the UK and around the world please read the full report HERE.
