Rising Maritime Terrorism Goes Unnoticed

Most people are unaware of the extent to which global trade and communication rely on the maritime domain, with 90% of world trade happening by sea and submarine cables carrying 99% of telephonic and internet communication. This invisibility of the maritime space has made it a prime target for criminals and nefarious actors, including terrorists who see the vast expanse of water as an attractive opportunity to further their objectives. Many only associate maritime terrorism with major incidents like the USS COLE bombing in 2000, overlooking the use of the seas by groups like Mumbai terrorists in 2008 and Abu Sayyaf for the Siege of Marawi in 2017.

Recent maritime incidents have provided ample inspiration for terrorist groups, from the Beirut blast in 2020 to the EVER GIVEN getting stuck in the Suez Canal in 2023. Disruptions to maritime commerce can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the availability and affordability of critical supplies like food and medicine, as well as causing economic turmoil and societal instability. With the potential for terrorists to exploit the maritime space in various ways, the world must be prepared for the impact of such actions on a global scale.

The use of maritime space for illicit activities poses a significant threat to global security, with the potential for terrorist attacks to disrupt trade, infrastructure, and essential supplies. While maritime issues may not be at the forefront of public consciousness, the consequences of disruptions to maritime commerce can be profound and far-reaching, underscoring the importance of addressing maritime security to safeguard global interests and prevent terrorist exploitation of the maritime domain.

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