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Date: 20th March 2019Series 13/Issue 169

Weekly Security & Risk Report

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The Security and Risk Report Series focuses on:

• Operational risks in areas of instability which could affect the safety of commercial and private vessels and personnel ashore and at sea.

• In country reporting on key countries where civil conflict are directly impacting on maritime opera-tions; and

• Reporting and analysis of incidents of terrorism, pi-racy and other related criminal activity. MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering first hand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST is entrenched and committed in continuing to supportand promote the awareness of the very real risks thatseafarers and other stakeholders face. This Intelligence Report Series is a brief snapshot ofMAST’s Intelligence capabilities. MAST Intelligencespecialises in providing clients with a suite of prod-ucts and services, including; political and economic risk analysis, detailed port and vessel security briefs, vessel passage plans, threat and risk mitigation and travel risk management. Working closely in conjunction with a host of experts,MAST Intelligence offers a market leading service pertaining to all maritime affairs.

Follow MAST on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep abreast with these insightful weekly reports and more — including real time security updates.

Editor: David Riderwww.mast-security.com

Issue 169

Contents:

Mast Services

Indian Ocean region

Somalia

Yemen

Mediterranean

Libya

Gulf of Guinea

South East Asia

Central & South America

Severe Weather Warnings

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20th March 2019

24/7 Emergency Telephone+44 (0) 1202 045 833 (Maritime)

MAST UK+44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com

Issue 169 of the series reviews, analyses and threat assesses the fragile and conflict affected coastal states Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The Mediterranean migrant crisis, incidents affecting maritime security and influencing maritime news are also report-ed and analysed, focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.

4MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity Theft

Incidents: Nothing significant to report.

Sea trials of ocean surveillance ship evoke good responseThe sea trials of India’s first and most prestigious missile track-ing ocean surveillance ship built at the Ministry of Defence-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited have received an encour-aging response, highly reliable sources have told The Hindu newspaper.

Iran pumps up “massive” offensive exercise with as many as 50 dronesIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Division staged what Iranian state media described as “mas-sive drone drills” on March 14th. During the exercise, called “Towards al-Quds” (al-Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem), a total of about 50 drones, including “Saegheh” unmanned combat aerial vehicles, were used in a coordinated air strike on training targets 1,000 kilometers (about 600 miles) from their launch site.

Australia launches largest ever military exercise with Sri LankaAustralia is set to launch a set of military exercises from Sri Lanka this week as part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019 (IPE-19) - Australia’s largest ever defence engagement. Over a thousand Australian Defence Force personnel and four Royal Australian Naval ships have reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka for the exercise.

Royal Navy Type 31e frigate could be based in India to boost presence in the regionOne of the navy’s newest frigates could be based in India – and

not Portsmouth – the head of the Royal Navy has hinted. First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones made the statement about the possible forward basing of the Type 31e frigates during a discussion with the head of India’s navy.

Indian Navy operationally ready to counter Pakistani misad-ventureTo counter Pakistan’s misadventure post-Pulwama terror at-tack, the Indian Navy turned all its carrier battle group, nuclear submarines and aircraft into an operational mode in the Ara-bian Sea which were participating in largest War Game of the Indian Navy - the Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exer-cise (TROPEX 19).

Iran warns Israel of firm response if oil shipments are target-edIranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami yesterday warned that his country will respond “firmly” if the Israeli navy targeted Ira-nian oil shipments. “Iran has the military capabilities to counter any Israeli intervention,” Iran’s IRNA news agency quoted Hata-mi as saying, adding that the international community would not accept this either.

To see MAST’s services in the Indian Ocean Region, please click here.

Indian Ocean Region The Iranian Navy has dispatched its 61st flotilla to Bab-el-Mandab Strait to safeguard maritime routes used by Iranian vessels, Commander of the Iranian Navy’s Southern Fleet Rear Admiral Afshin Tashk said on Sunday 17th. The Commander added that the fleet set off on Saturday for the international waters to safeguard maritime routes used by Iranian vessels, especially in the strategic strait of Bab-el-Mandab, which links the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea.

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Control of Somali territory (March 2017) Source: Wikimedia Commons

AnalysisAl Shabaab continues to mount operations throughout the coun-try, despite efforts by US Central Command to degrade its ca-pabilities with ongoing airstrikes and the work done by AMISOM forces. Threat AssessmentThe political situation has seen increased tension between re-gional states and the Federal Government. Should this continue, there is an opportunity for criminal organisations to return to their previous maritime activities. Al Shabaab continues to challenege the government and efforts to disrupt its operations continue, although AMISOM forces will withdraw in 2019. The trade in il-legal charcoal by terror and crime groups continues, although the Combined Maritime Forces and UN are working on measures to prevent it. Youth unemployment in Somalia has not improved with 67% of Somali male youths aged between 14 to 29 unemployed. Pirate financiers offer lucrative and attractive opportunities, and were seen to be increasingly active in the last inter-monsoon period. Recent incidents off Somalia have highlighted the robust protections offered by both BMP5 and well trained, vigilant armed protection teams. Illegal fishing has returned to the region and there are wider political concerns that it could spark a resurgence in maritime crime unless checked. There is a risk that compla-cency in some quarters has seen a reduction in PMSC presence in these waters that could result in a piracy success. A lack of adherence to BMP5 protocol, particularly not maintaining a safe distance off the coast, has increased risks to shipping. Merchant vessels would be wise to maintain the same distance from the coast, particularly ensuring that the Socotra Gap isn’t taken. All vessels are advised to update risk assessments and register with UKMTO/MSCHOA prior to entering the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA).

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Under control of Al Shabaab and allies Under control of neutral forces Under control of Government and allies Somaliland Government Territory disputed by Puntland and Somaliland

SomaliaSomaliland has accused Somalia of being a stumbling block to the mediation process between the two countries. Somaliland President Muse Bihi said that whereas his country had honoured previous invitations to talks, Somalia had maintained a hardline position, insisting that they will only attend mediation talks organized by either Turkey or Qatar.

Somali troops re-capture Balcad townSomali forces on Tuesday 19th recaptured Balcad town, some 30km northeast of Somali capital Mogadishu. The seizure comes after Al Shabaab militants pulled back from areas of the town where the militants entered on Monday night.

UN says dry spell may worsen humanitarian crisis in SomaliaDry conditions have worsened in Somalia with humanitarian partners across the country reporting critical water shortages during the month of February, the UN relief agency said on Monday 18th.

40 Killed in Hirshaballe Clan FightingAt least 40 people have been killed after fighting erupted be-tween two related clans in Buur Villageg Adale district in the Mide Shabelle region of Hirshabelel , Radio Dalsan reports. The latest fighting between the two clans started on Sunday morning.

Locals Gang-Up Against Al Shabaab, Kill 4 MilitantsAt least 4 members of the Al Shabaab terror group were rounded up and killed by villagers in Wanlawyen, North of Mogadishu over the weekend. Self-organised locals infuriated with Al Shabaab continuous extortion killed four militants in-cluding a senior leader who was in-charge of Zakawat in Wan-laweyn town of Somalia.

US Military Attacks Al Shabaab for Third Time in WeekThe U.S. military has carried out three airstrikes against Al Shabaab militants in Somalia in less than a week, continuing a rapid pace that could triple last year’s record-setting strike numbers. Reports suggest two terrorists were killed in the ac-tion.

Somali National Army conducts Lower Jubba operationSNA and Jubbaland Security Forces conducted an operation against al Shabaab between Bar Sanguni village and Jamame town in Lower Jubba region in southern Somalia on March 13th. The SNA claimed to kill 16 Al Shabaab militants in the operation.

Somali police officer survives bomb attack in MogadishuA Somali Police officer survived apparent assassination at-tempt after an explosive fitted into car exploded in Somali capital Mogadishu on Mach 14th. Colonel Omar Bile was un-harmed as the explosion went off at Maka Al Mukara road in the capital while he was in nearby shop.

Kenyan forces engage Al Shabaab Kenyan soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) killed three al Shabaab militants and captured an-other in Bura Hache town on the Kenya-Somalia border on March 13th. The Kenyan forces seized AK-47 rifles and two rocket-propelled grenade launchers from the militants.

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Control of Yemen territory (September 25th 2018)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Houthi

Pro Hadi Government Forces

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Controlled by Southern Transitional Council

YemenFighters of the Houthi group launched a missile attack against a pro-government military base in Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Wednesday evening, causing huge blasts, a security official told Xinhua on March 14th. The security source said on anonymity that “a missile fired by the Houthi rebels landed on Abu Musa Ashary army base in Alkhokha district of Hodeidah, killing two soldiers and injuring 18 others at the scene.”

Yemen’s Aden refinery seeking 90,000 tons of oil productsYemen’s Aden refinery is seeking 90,000 tons of oil products in a tender to address a deficit in electricity generation, state news agency SABA said on Saturday 16th. The refinery is seek-ing 60,000 tons of diesel and 30,000 tons of heavy fuel oil ma-zut for power plants in Aden as fuel supplies run low because of Yemen’s four-year-old civil war, according to Reuters.

Yemen’s Houthis say ready to strike Riyadh, Abu Dhabi if coa-lition moves on HodeidahYemen’s Houthi group said they were building their ballistic capabilities and their forces stand ready to strike Riyadh and Abu Dhabi if implementation of a U.N. peace deal in the port city of Hodeidah is breached.

Daesh versus al Qaeda continuesThe Islamic State in Yemen claimed to attack al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants in Z’aj in Wald Rabia district in al Bayda governorate in central Yemen on March 17th. The Islamic State in Yemen claimed to kill one AQAP militant and injure one other.

Civilian casualties double in parts of Yemen since ceasefireYemeni civilians across the country are facing the threat of in-tensive attacks with some areas claiming more than double the amount of victims compared to the pre-ceasefire average. Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) analysis of attacks on ci-vilians over the last three months reveals that civilian casual-ties in Hajjah and Taiz alone have more than doubled since the Hodeidah ceasefire and Stockholm Agreement came into effect, with 164 and 184 people killed respectively.

Thousands trapped in Yemen north districtA UN humanitarian agency warned in a report Tuesday that thousands of Yemeni civilians caught in fierce clashes be-tween warring factions are trapped in an embattled northern district. The number of displaced in the district of Hajjah has doubled over the past six months, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA.

US Senate votes to end involvement in Yemen warThe bipartisan bill to end US support for the Saudi-led coali-tion’s war in Yemen will now move to the House of Representa-tives, where it’s likely to pass. However, President Trump has vowed to veto the resolution.

Hajour tribes, Houthis locked in key battle in northern YemenWith the support of the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen and the legitimate government, the Hajour tribes are battling the Houthis in the northern province of Hajjah near the Saudi bor-der. Hostilities flared up between the Houthis and the Hajour tribes after the tribes captured Houthi fighters in the tribal ter-ritory.

Pompeo meets UN Special EnvoyU.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo met with UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths in Washington, D.C. on March 14th to discuss the implementation of the Stockholm Agree-ment. Pompeo expressed concern that the al Houthi move-ment is deliberately stalling implementation of the peace pro-cess.

Elections announced by Houthis The al Houthi Movement announced on March 15th that parlia-mentary elections will be held in 34 districts on April 13th to fill vacant seats in the House of Representatives. Half of the dis-tricts with vacancies are controlled by the al Houthi Movement.

To see the latest threat analysis and Yemen port information in MASTOPDEIA, please click here.

MAST recommends BMP measures be enforced and watches strengthened during transits in the region.

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Migrant crossings 2016-2019. Source: UNHRC

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Migrant statistics in the Mediterranean (Figures last updated on March. 19th 2019). Source: UNHCR

Mediterranean As the renewal deadline for the EU’s military anti-smuggling operation in the Mediterranean draws near, disagreements between EU nations are putting the mission at risk. Operation So-phia’s mandate involves efforts to “identify, capture and dispose of vessels and enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers” and has been expanded to include training Libyan coastguard organisations and navy and implementing the UN arms embargo off the coast of Libya.

Morocco says 3 migrants dead in MediterraneanMorocco said Monday its coastguard rescued 53 sub-Saha-ran migrants and found three people dead on a rubber boat that deflated in the Mediterranean on a crossing to Europe. Ten women were among the migrants rescued on Sunday 17th, some in a poor physical state, a military source said.

Libyan Navy lambasts Human Rights Watch report on al-leged mistreatment of migrants in LibyaThe spokesman for the Libyan Navy, Ayoub Qasim has de-manded Human Rights Watch to provide proof for what was included in its report with respect to the alleged ill-treatment of illegal migrants in Libya. “The allegations in the report are totally false”, Qasim told The Libya Observer.

Mediterranean Migrant Arrivals Reach 10,308 in 2019; Deaths Reach 234The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 10,308 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through 13 March, a 16 per cent decrease from the 12,318 arriving during the same period last year. Deaths on the three main Mediterranean Sea routes through just over ten weeks of the new year are at 234 individuals – or about half the 466 deaths that occurred during the same period in 2018.

45 migrants feared deadAssociated Press reported on March 14th that a A Spanish human rights activist quoted survivors as saying that 45 mi-grants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Spain.

The current migrant smuggling situationDespite a fall in crossing numbers, we are still seeing significant loss of life in the region, as people smugglers continue to force migrants out to sea in poorly constructed vessels. While some NGO rescue missions have returned to the region, their inability to disembark rescued migrants in Italian ports continues to cause problems. The EU has claimed that the emergency is now over and, to an extent, that is true; the figures are significantly down on previous years, but migrants continue to cross and require the infrastruc-ture in place to ensure that they can be processed and housed. A political solution appears to be out of reach, as the EU wrestles with the UK’s departure from the bloc this month and forthcom-ing elections, where immigration will play a key role for many right wing parties.

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Control of Northern Libyan territory (Nov. 7th 2018)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Controlled by the Tobruk led government

Controlled by the Government of National Accord

Controlled by ISIS

Controlled by local forces

Controlled by Tuareg forces

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

LibyaWestern Tripoli areas saw heavy fighting late on Saturday and early on Sunday 17th between Na-tional Mobile Forces and an armed group, eyewitnesses reported. The eyewitnesses added that the clashes in Ghout Al-Shaal and Al-Ghiran areas were triggered as anti-Khalifa Haftar forces’ gunmen handed over a pro-Haftar fighter named Mohammed Al-Kashik to the mobile force. Al-Kashik later denied the news of his detention on his Facebook page and then calm descended on the area.

Militant attack targets Libyan village in the SouthAn armed group attacked the town of Ghadwa in southwest-ern Libya on Monday 18th morning, and kidnapped a number of citizens, according to a security source. The attack took place 60 km South of the city of Sabha, capital of Fezan, which is under the control of General Khalifa Hafter.

Libya Oil Boss Sees Output Gain With Hope of BP Pumping SoonLibya boosted crude production by a third after restarting its biggest field, and its top oil official sees further gains when companies like BP Plc invest and start pumping in the politi-cally divided OPEC nation, Bloomberg reported on March 19th.

Armed group kidnaps three civilians in GhadduwahAn unknown armed group has kidnapped three people after opening fire on several others in Ghadduwah in southern Libya, sources from the town reported on March 18th. The sources added that the armed group entered in a heavily armed con-voy of about 10 vehicles, adding that the vehicles “appeared to have logos similar to those of ISIS.”

Security Services in Murzuq discover mass gravesThe security services in Murzuq, southern Libya, have found mass graves in the outskirts of the city containing around 17 bodies of Tabu tribesmen. “Security officers in the city have found 17 unidentified bodies with bound hands and feet, and with visible signs of gunshots,” Murzuq Municipal Council member, Mohammad Omar clarified Monday 18th.

Policeman killed in gunmen attack on Sabha patrol in south-ern LibyaThe Libyan Interior Ministry condemned on Saturday 16th the armed attack on a patrol for the security department in Sab-ha, southern Libya, killing one policeman. The ministry added that one of the attackers was injured and is receiving medical treatment in Sabha Medical Center, saying two others were detained.

Preparations Underway for Haftar, Sarraj Meeting

Preparations are underway to hold a meeting between Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar and Govern-ment of National Accord (GNA) chief Fayez al-Sarraj. Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting is planned for next week and will follow up on the previous one between the two officials that was held in Abu Dhabi last month.

Four unidentified bodies found in Suluq town in eastern LibyaA security service agent of Suluq Municipality has found the re-mains of four unknown persons in Wadi Al Bab area, southeast of the town. The head of Suluq police station, Ihab Al-Kaza, said that the police received information on the existence of unidentified remains south of the town; upon the confirmation of the incident, the police informed the Libyan Red Crescent, which transferred the remains to Al-Jalaa Surgical Hospital to undergo the legal procedures.

Ubari Gas Station to start operating soonSources from Ubari Gas Station confirmed that operational tests conducted by the General Electricity Company of Lib-ya (GECOL) on the station, are almost finished. “The main gas feeding line of the station has been successfully tested and experiments are currently being intensified in the first and sec-ond units in preparation for the start of operations,” an engineer of Ubari station told the Libyan news agency Saturday 16th.

Al-Ghasri warns against plunging Libya’s Sirte in new warThe spokesman for Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous operation, Moham-med Al-Ghasri, warned in a press conference on Thursday 14th against plunging Sirte into a new war which will be a lose-lose to all, adding that the city has been secure since the control of the operation forces on it after they had defeated ISIS ter-rorists.

To read MAST’s Libyan Country report on MASTOPEDIA, please click here.

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Hijack

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

Gulf of GuineaAccording to the ICC IMB’s Piracy Report, Nigerian pirates kidnapped five crewmembers from an OSV in the Gulf of Guinea last weekend of March 9th despite the efforts of a security escort vessel. After an active firefight between the escort and the attackers, pirates boarded the target vessel, ransacked its cabins and made off with the victims.

Incidents: Nothing significant to report.

Importers Pay N988bn Risk Surcharge For Nigerian-bound VesselsNigerian importers have paid about $2.74 billion (N987.77 bil-lion at prevailing rate of N360/$) in three years following the categorisation of Nigerian waters as a war risk, a development that spiked insurance premiums slammed on vessels and car-goes destined for Nigeria, Leadership newspaper reported on March 19th.

Niger Delta Agitators Threaten Fresh Oil WarActivists in Niger -Delta, weekend, called on President Mu-hammadu Buhari to put the Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon Roti-mi Amaechi, under control before he plunges the nation into another full-blown oil war.

Crude Oil Theft: JTF Takes Over Six Suspects, Seven Boats From NavyThe Joint Task Force (JTF) codenamed Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) has taken over six suspected oil thieves and seven loaded Cotonou boats from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Del-ta), Warri, for further investigation.

Niger Delta Amnesty Project ProbeThe inauguration of a special panel by the Federal Govern-ment to probe alleged looting of assets of the Niger Delta Am-nesty Programme is a warning signal that all is not well with a programme that was meant to defuse militancy in the restive Niger Delta region.

Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea nations partner on sea border patrolThe Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Un-derstanding (MoU) with Gulf of Guinea nations that will allow

for a seamless border patrol. The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Obed Ngalabak, dis-closed this during a press conference.

Navy deploys 8 warships, 2 choppers for regional multina-tional exerciseThe Nigerian Navy deployed eight of its warships and two heli-copters to participate in a regional multinational sea exercise codenamed ‘Obangame Express’. The US Coast Guard will also deploy one of its ships while the Moroccan Navy is ex-pected to send a frigate. Maritime crime is expected to remain at a low level while the exercise is ongoing.

Nigeria has 41 billion barrels of untapped crude – NNPC GMDAfter more than six decades of production, Nigeria still has over 41 billion barrels of crude oil reserves untapped, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, has said.

Total to begin exploration in Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development ZoneThe Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Au-thority (JDA) and Total Nigeria signed a new production shar-ing contract (PSC) on Thursday 14th, which grants the French oil giant the exclusive right to begin exploration activities in three blocks.

To see MAST Services in the region, please click here. And and to read Nigeria’s country report, please click here.

10MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

South East AsiaMalaysian police have arrested 13 people — 12 Filipinos, one of whom is a woman, and a Ma-laysian — in Sabah on suspicion of being members of terrorist groups and protecting terrorists in hiding, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said on March 18th. It is not known whether the suspects are part of the group suspected of being in the area as part of a kidnapping effort by the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Incidents: Nothing significant to report.

Troops recover Sayyaf’s remains, rifle after clash in BasilanSporadic gunfights between military troops and 10 Abu Sayyaf members under Furudji Indama on Tuesday 19th in Basilan resulted in the death of a militant and the seizure of a high-powered firearm. Soldiers from the Army’s 18th Infantry Battal-ion exchanged fire with the terrorists in Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan at about 8:15 a.m.

Davao Region braces for TD ‘Chedeng’The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has raised a blue alert warn-ing as Tropical Depression Chedeng rapidly accelerated, threatening the Davao Region and the rest of Eastern Mind-anao with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of 65 kilometers per hour.

Kitingan worried about Sabah’s security after arrest of 13 ter-ror suspectsParti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan to-day urged the federal government to address the infiltration by terror groups into Sabah following the recent arrest of 13 terror suspects in interior Tambunan and Semporna. In a statement on Mach 18th, Jeffrey, who is also the Keningau MP and Tam-bunan assemblyman, questioned whether the arrest is a sign that the security of the state is under increasing threat.

2 Marine troopers hurt in Abu Sayyaf Group clashTwo Marine soldiers were wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in the island town of Banguingui in Sulu on Fri-day 15th. Reports said that troopers of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 under Lt. Col. Ramil Holgado were patrolling in Sitio Kabahayan, Barangay Bakkan when they encountered the followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Salip Mura.

Soldiers seized boat loaded with chemical used as IED in-gredientPatrolling soldiers have intercepted a motorboat attempting to smuggle over three dozen bags of ammonium nitrate in Basilan province, a stronghold of pro-ISIS Abu Sayyaf group in southern Philippines, the military said on Friday 15th.

3 soldiers, 2 militants dead in southern Philippine clashThree government soldiers and two Maute group militants have been killed in a clash in the southern Philippines, the Philippine military said on Friday 15th. Military spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana said three more soldiers have been report-ed missing in the wake of a clash that broke out around 5 p.m. local time on Thursday in Tubaran town in Lanao del Sur prov-ince.

MMEA detains Vietnamese fishing boats with half tonne of sharksTwo Vietnamese fishing boats detained by the Malaysian Mari-time Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for illegal fishing were also found to be catching sharks as well. Pahang MMEA deputy di-rector, Maritime Captain V. Pannir Selvan said MMEA detained the boats with 15 crew members including two skippers at 103 nautical mile northeast of Kuantan at 5pm on March 18th.

To see MAST’s services in the region, please click here.

11MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

Central and South America Nothing significant to report.

Incidents: 1. Two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier by using a rope with a hook at 0430 UTC in position 00:03.5N – 050:57.8W, Macapa Anchorage, Brazil. Duty AB on routine rounds spotted the robbers and immediately informed the OOW, who raised the alarm. PA announcement made and all crew mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers es-caped without stealing anything. Incident was reported to Port Authorities. Reported (IMB) 10th Mar. (Not shown on map.)

Standing advice: The repercussions of a vessel being caught acting as a mule with drugs stowed will depend on the type, amount and na-tional laws, but may be disruptive and costly. When and if operating in these areas, especially Columbia and Peru, it is advised that: • Potential stowage areas such as rudder shafts are denied as

far as possible, and/or routinely searched. • Access points are closely monitored by a vigilant watch for the duration of the vessel’s call at port.

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Note: The forecasts are correct as of the day before publication. For latest updates please follow the provided links.

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

South-West Indian Ocean

Severe Weather Warnings Warnings detailed on this page are from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and are issued by respective Regional Specialised Metrological Centres, Tropical Cyclone Centres or Na-tional Meteorological Services. For further information on severe weather warnings please click here.