Counter Terrorism

Defense, Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, National Affairs 16-Nov-2018

PCG Warns of Impending Kidnapping by ASG

On 30-October-2018, the ReCAAP ISC piracy reporting center warned that a faction of the ASG is preparing to launch another round of pirate attacks in the waters off Sabah. According to ReCAAP, the PCG believes that 10 ASG members are planning to conduct kidnappings in East Sabah “at any opportune time.” The ASG fighters do not have specific targets but…

Maritime Security 22-Sep-2017

Terrorist Safe Havens Are In The Mind, And Cannot Be Beaten Militarily

Counterterrorism operations today often entail attempts to remove territorial “safe havens” for Islamic extremism. This is seen in fights against the Islamic State in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and most recently, the Philippines. These fights are often government-led sieges of cities, like Raqqa, Mosul, and Marawi, where Islamic State has taken control, or at least has a strong presence. But by…