Abu Dhabi: The maritime sector in the Arabian Gulf is vital to the economic security of the UAE, yet it remains a stated target of terrorist attacks, according to Paul Burke, Managing Director of Middle East Security Ltd, United Kingdom.
“Around 85 per cent of the Middle East's total oil exports (around 17 million barrels per day) pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The vast size and scale of the maritime domain makes it difficult to secure and to police. The world's maritime industry carries the bulk of intercontinental trade, estimated at around 90 percent of the volume and 85 percent of the value. The threat spectrum is wide and continues to increase,” he said in a lecture on “Terrorist Threat to the Maritime Security of the UAE”, organized yesterday by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.
“Small suicide boats have proved to be devastatingly effective against hardened naval targets such as warships. The terrorist attack against the USS Cole cost Al Qaeda $40,000 dollars, killed 17 US sailors and injured 39, and the damage cost $250 million dollars to repair,” he recalled.
“More advanced weaponry is now proliferating from State armouries to terrorist groups, including drones, anti-ship missiles and shoulder-launched projectiles capable of defeating reactive armour. These weapons provide a dramatic increase in potential impact, providing terrorist groups with the capability to mount a strategic strike through their successful usage,” Burke said.
“Mines can deny access to critical infrastructure such as desalination plants, ports and harbours. Oil tankers are high-value assets carrying expensive cargoes which, if attacked, could lead to oil price fluctuations, energy insecurity and demand and supply instability. Solid intelligence is a vital element in mitigating all of these threats,” he added.