Posted on 06/24/2010 3:00:19 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The Gulf has come under increasing attack from Islamic insurgents, a leading analyst said. A former British intelligence officer said that insurgents have obtained increased access to such weapons as unmanned aerial vehicles and anti-ship missiles. The analyst said this would enhance any insurgency attack on shipping in the Gulf.
"More advanced weaponry is now proliferating from state armories to terrorist groups, including drones, anti-ship missiles and shoulder-launched projectiles capable of defeating reactive armor," Paul Burke, a leading analyst said. "These weapons provide a dramatic increase in potential impact, providing terrorist groups with the capability to mount a strategic strike through their successful usage."
In a lecture on June 9 to the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, Burke, managing director of the British firm Middle East Security, said Gulf Cooperation Council and other states have not eliminated the maritime insurgency threat. He said the Strait of Hormuz, passage for 85 percent of Middle East crude oil exports, has been difficult to secure.
"The threat spectrum is wide and continues to increase," Burke said.
Burke warned that insurgents, particularly Al Qaida, have used small boats filled with explosives against major maritime targets. He said the Al Qaida attack on the U.S. Navy's USS Cole in 2000 cost $40,000. Repair to the Cole was reported at $250 million.
"Small suicide boats have proved to be devastatingly effective against hardened naval targets such as warships," Burke said. "Mines can deny access to critical infrastructure such as desalination plants, ports and harbors."
Burke called on the six GCC states to increase cooperation in maritime security and pool intelligence. He also called on the GCC to promote confidence-building in maritime border disputes.
"Solid intelligence is a vital element in mitigating all of these threats," Burke said.
(Excerpt) Read more at geostrategy-direct.com ...
Ping
This sounds particularly grim.
Target rich environment,,, bring them on!
In a bit, terrorism will stop. This seems barbaric but will eventually save more innocent lives than those innocent relatives lost.
Gawd, what next for the poor Gulf of Mexico?
If you’d like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
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No surprise, this is what terror groups do.
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