Worldwide Kidnap Report

LONDON Feb 17 (Reuters) - Kidnap and ransom trends are in constant flux, with Somali piracy and Mexican kidnapping on the up, while hostage-taking in Colombia and Iraq is in decline.

Below is an overview of global kidnap trends with estimates of the numbers of foreigners taken captive every month, compiled largely with information from risk consultancy AKE's quarterly kidnap and ransom report.

INDIAN OCEAN -- 95 PER MONTH

Somali pirates hijacking merchant ships in the Indian Ocean frequently take more foreigners hostage in a single month than all other kidnappers in the world combined. Experts estimate several hundred Somalis head out in small boats and increasingly on larger captured motherships, boarding vessels and sailing them to pirate havens. At any given time, the pirates are estimated to hold up to 700 hostages, mainly aboard their ships in worsening conditions. Ransoms have risen swiftly over the last year, with the record payment said to be $9 million for a Korean tanker late last year. The average settlement per ship is estimated to be $3-4 million, with ships usually held for more than 100 days. Shippers warn that despite international naval patrols, the problem is worsening to the extent ships may be forced to take a longer route around Africa, driving up costs.

MEXICO -- 20 PER MONTH

Kidnapping in Mexico is rising swiftly. Most attacks target migrant workers from elsewhere in Central and Latin America. These range from "express kidnappings", in which the victim is taken to an ATM and forced to pay their own ransom, to abductions lasting up to about 60 days. Abductions of Mexicans are on the rise, but limited reporting makes estimating the numbers difficult. So far, Western nationals have not tended to be targeted. The upper limit for a payout has reportedly been $30 million.

GULF OF GUINEA -- 5 PER MONTH

While the dangers of piracy and attacks on shipping and oil platforms in the Gulf of Guinea pale in comparison to those in the Indian Ocean, the threat is seen growing particularly ahead of Nigeria's April 2011 elections. Attacks tend to be more violent than those from Somali pirates and the danger to crew higher. The average time in captivity is less than 30 days and ransoms vary from $10,000-$2 million.

NIGERIA -- 1-2 PER MONTH

Kidnapping of foreigners and locals continues to be a problem in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta with the threat from both militants and armed gangs. Ransoms for foreign nationals range from $28,000-$204,000, with ransom payments for Nigerians generally less than $100,000. Time spent in captivity is varied, with the longest period some 465 days.

SUDAN -- 1 PER MONTH

Kidnapping, particularly of aid staff in Sudan's Darfur region, is seen on the increase and is restricting relief operations. Charity workers, United Nations staff and African Union peacekeepers have all been targeted. The average time spent in captivity is 100 days. There is insufficient data to estimate average ransom payments for foreign nationals. Sudanese command ransoms of less than $100,000.

AFGHANISTAN -- 1-2 PER MONTH

The risk of kidnap of foreigners, particularly aid staff, reduces relief work in Afghanistan. A particularly high proportion of kidnaps there ended in violent deaths, either through execution or during special forces rescue missions. Foreigners kidnapped and released alive can wait up to 300 days, with ransoms ranging from $300,000-$750,000. Some 5-10 Afghans are taken hostage each week with ransoms of less than $100,000.

SAHEL -- 1 PER MONTH

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) appears to have stepped up efforts to kidnap foreigners in North Africa's Sahel region, while local tribes have also used this as a revenue stream. Experts estimate kidnapping could have given $65 million to AQIM since 2005, the majority of its revenue stream. French forces have taken an increasingly aggressive approach with mixed results as they launch military rescue missions.

PAKISTAN -- 1 PER MONTH

Both militant groups and criminal gangs kidnap Pakistanis and occasionally foreigners. Pakistanis are generally held for about 30 days for ransoms of about $50,000, while foreigners tend to be held for longer with the record being 500 days.

REST OF AFRICA

Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia each see on average slightly less than one foreign national kidnapped a month. In Congo, risks are seen highest in the east, with extractive industry staff and aid workers most at risk. The number of foreigners kidnapped in Somalia is low as so few operate there, but ransoms can be as high as $3 million and victims held for prolonged periods. There are fears kidnapped foreigners might be sold to al Qaeda-linked Islamist groups who might kill them for propaganda value or try to trade them for prisoner exchange.

MIDDLE EAST

Kidnappings of both foreigners and local Iraqis soared in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion but have since fallen sharply. Yemen is now seen as the Middle Eastern country in which foreigners are most at risk of kidnap.

ASIA

Outside Pakistan and Afghanistan, the greatest danger of kidnap in Asia is seen in the Philippines. Islamist militants have targeted wealthy Chinese-Filipino businessmen and students.

LATIN AMERICA

Kidnapping in Colombia has fallen sharply due to disarray amongst militant groups, public anger at the tactic and better coordination by security forces. Kidnapping is seen on the increase in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

EUROPE

The former Soviet Union is seen as having the highest risk of kidnap for foreigners, while a bad harvest has seen an increasing trend of farmers being kidnapped in an attempt to gain control of their grain stores. Short duration "tiger kidnaps" are becoming increasingly common in Western Europe due to the economic crisis, particularly in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. (Editing by Janet Lawrence)

Worldwide Risk updates

Libya
The National Transitional Council (NTC) sent military forces to the south eastern town of al-Kufra, where clashes between rival local tribes have killed dozens of people. Militiamen from the Zwai tribe have clashed with fighters from the Tibu ethnic group led by Isa Abdel Majid, who they accuse of attacking al-Kufra backed by mercenaries from Chad.

Mexico
The arrest of Jaime Herrera Herrera, a drug maker for the Sinaloa cartel, will have little impact on the cartel’s trade in methamphetamine but will further impede its efforts to assert control over its existing territories. Any decline in revenue along with a corresponding loss of personnel will hit the cartel hard as Los Zetas seek to encroach upon their western strongholds. Increased violence in these regions should be anticipated.

North Korea
The DPRK stepped up its rhetoric by targeting the series of joint military drills planned by South Korea and the US. In return, live fire exercises by the North are anticipated although artillery attacks are not expected.

Russia
Ibrahim Khalil Daudov, Dagestani branch commander of Doka Umarov’s Caucasus Emirate insurgency, was reportedly killed by police in Dagestan on 11 February in a raid against Islamic militants near the village of Gurbuki; his body remained unidentified until 14 February.  His death comes as part of a recently launched campaign against insurgents in the Chechen-Dagestani border area.   

Senegal
Violence continued in and around Dakar ahead of presidential elections on 26 February, with six having been killed thus far. Demonstrations have occurred following police use of teargas nearby a Mosque in the capital on 17 February. Security forces are expected to respond to increased violence with a heavy handed response.

Yemen
An explosion damaged a polling station in the southern port city of Aden on 20 February, one day before presidential elections were due to begin. Former Vice-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is the only candidate in the elections due to terms agreed in a transition deal. There is a risk of further attacks by Islamist and southern separatist militants throughout the country over the election period.

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Source: AKE

Libya Update, 13 January 2012

SummaryA French ex-serviceman was shot dead in his apartment in Tripoli on 8 January by an unidentified assailant; further details on the incident remain unclear. Tripoli in general is assessed to be safe, although there is an ongoing risk of further sporadic clashes. A government committee assigned to help integrate former rebel fighters back into civilian life is to be allocated an initial budget of US$8bln. A senior National Oil Corporation (NOC) official stated on 12 January that oil exports are set to rise to 800,000 bpd in January 2012. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly accepted in principle a request by the National Transitional Council (NTC) to try Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in the country, and Foreign Minister Ashour Bin Khayal stated that Libya has received around US$20bln of funds frozen following the imposition of UN sanctions.ProjectionsTripoli will remain stable although there is a risk of further sporadic clashes involving different militia groups, which maintain a presence in some outlying areas of the city. The process of integrating militia groups into the national army will continue, although it may be some time before an NTC-controlled body is in control of the entire city.

The risk of clashes in other major cities along the Mediterranean coast will also remain. Those cities that were liberated by outside forces, including Sirte, Bani Walid, Bin Jawad and Brega, are more at risk of inter-factional tensions. Benghazi will also remain calm and there is less risk of inter-factional clashes than in other major cities.

The NTC will continue the process of integrating former rebel fighters into national security forces and wider society. Further investment in this area is likely given the size of the challenge.TripoliOn 8 January a French ex-serviceman was shot dead in his apartment by an unidentified assailant. The man, who had retired from the military, was reportedly working in Libya, although further details surrounding the incident were unclear. The killing was an isolated incident and there is no evidence that Western personnel operating in the city could become targets.

The security situation in Tripoli remains stable. AKE sources on the ground have previously highlighted the reduced presence of militia groups on the streets and a significant reduction in the number of checkpoints in the city over the last month. The majority of the armed security presence in the city is ostensibly operating under the national army umbrella. Most of those fighters who make up the national army in the city previously belonged to militia brigades from Tripoli; however, it also includes fighters from Benghazi and Misrata. The police presence in the city remains low, and the visible presence appears at times to be limited to traffic direction. However, the presence is likely to increase over the coming months as the city continues to return to normal.

The International Airport remains under the control of Zintan militiamen, and there are reported to be other militia groups present in outlying areas of the city. The transition towards a unified centrally-controlled security force in the capital has made significant progress in recent months, although further steps are required to create a lasting solution, with militia groups remaining in control of significant areas of territory. AKE sources on the ground assess that the risk of sporadic clashes involving militia groups remains, as does the potential for revenge operations by militiamen targeting alleged Gaddafi loyalists.Rebel FightersA government committee, the Warriors Affairs Committee, will be assigned to help integrate former rebel fighters back into civilian life and will be allocated an initial budget of US$8bln, according to the head of the new committee, Moustafa al-Sagizli. He also stated that each government ministry will be allocating around US$2bln to fund volunteers to travel abroad for language and computer training, and to give micro-credit loans to help find work and start new businesses.

AKE has long highlighted that the greatest challenge facing the NTC will be reintegrating back into society the tens of thousands of rebel fighters who liberated the country from the regime of Muammar Gaddafi. The latest statement demonstrates that the interim regime is aware of the size of the challenge; however, militiamen who continue to occupy a number of major cities and are providing security to the southern oilfields will be reluctant to hand over their arms in return for promises of investment, and will require tangible benefits.Oil exportsA senior National Oil Corporation (NOC) official stated on 12 January that oil exports are set to rise to 800,000 bpd in January 2012. The NOC expects to deliver between 40 and 45 cargoes of crude in January. In December 2011 the NOC agreed to sell cargoes to trading houses Glencore, Vitol, Gunvor and Trafigura, breaking with the tradition of allowing oil majors exclusive access to its export cargoes. However, oil majors will still export the vast majority of Libyan crude.

The source also stated that power generation was holding back the return to production of a number of fields in the south of the country, and that once the power problem was solved, production would be able to return to pre-conflict levels.Saif al Islam TrialMinister of Justice Ali Humaida Ashour stated on 12 January that the ICC had accepted in principle the request by Libyan authorities to try Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in the country and that a final decision would be made within weeks.

Ashour also stated that Saif al-Islam would be tried on charges of mismanagement of public funds, homicide and rape, and if convicted he could face the death penalty. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly called for Saif al-Islam to be given access to a lawyer and Ashour confirmed that Saif would be allowed to hire a lawyer of his choosing.Political SectionLibya officially lifted trade and economic sanctions that were imposed on Switzerland and Lebanon by the former regime. The move is expected to encourage business between the countries, particularly in the energy sector and in post-war reconstruction.

Foreign Minister Ashour Bin Khayal stated on 10 January that Libya has received around US$20bln in assets that were held overseas by the regime of Muammar Gaddafi and were frozen following the imposition of sanctions by the international community. An estimated US$150bln was frozen during the conflict and most of that made available to the new regime has come from the US, France and a number of other European states. Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdul Aziz stated that a number of other countries, including Italy, Japan, Spain, France, Britain and the US are continuing to work on the unfreezing of blocked assets, which will be used to invest heavily in the rebuilding process, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, construction and the oil and gas sector.


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Source: AKE, INTAKE 

World Risk Updates, 09 January 2012

China – Philippines
The Philippines accused China of violating the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea after Chinese vessels were spotted inside the Philippine territory in the Spratly Islands, an area also claimed as part of Chinese territory.

Germany
Germany’s President Christian Wulff continues to come under increasing pressure following allegations of a loan scandal. The President has so far rejected calls for his resignation but his political support could be waning as opposition leaders indicate they are willing to find a consensus candidate. His resignation could spark a crisis for Merkel’s coalition government as it struggles to maintain domestic support for its response to the Eurozone crisis.

Iran
Official reports stated that an additional major uranium enrichment facility will be established in a protected underground site near Qom. Enrichment and underground nuclear facilities are nothing new in Iran but the dispersal of such facilities in more than one well-defended site will make any military response by foreign countries much more difficult, thus strengthening Iran’s position on the nuclear issue.
Nigeria
Unknown gunmen killed at least 21 people, reportedly southern Christian worshippers, on 6 January in Adamawa state. Only a few days after Boko Haram’s threat for all Christians to leave the north expired, informal groups seem to be using publicly voiced sectarianism to conduct attacks on religious communities. The prospect of Christian groups arming themselves in the face of an ineffective state security response cannot be discounted.  
Peru-Venezuela
Petroperu has announced that it will invest in new project in the Orinoco belt. Although new President Ollanta Humala has been keen to downplay his links to President Chavez, a former mentor, the new ties, which represent a potentially hazardous investment, underline the ideological as opposed to pragmatic bonds between the two.

Philippines
More than 3 million Catholic worshippers marched through Manila on 9 January in an annual procession, despite a warning from President Benigno Aquino III that Abu Sayyaf (ASG) may try and target the marchers. Around 15,000 policemen have been deployed around the capital, amid the threat that there may be a growing likelihood that terrorists are looking further north to hit Manila.

Yemen
Cabinet proposed a draft immunity law protecting President Ali Abdullah Saleh, his family and aides from prosecution. It is still to be approved in parliament but many Yemenis are angry following extensive violence at the hands of the security forces, blamed on Saleh and members of his family. The UN also criticised the proposal as a violation of international law.

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Source: AKE

Baghdad - Rapid Analysis Report – Incidents 22 December 2011

At least fourteen incidents, consisting of IED and VBIED detonations, were reported across Baghdad, commencing from approximately 06:40 on 22 December; the Ministry of Health currently places the casualty toll at 49 killed, 167 wounded.  The situation remains confused, with circular reports blurring the picture and more accurate details set to emerge as the day progresses.  The wave of attacks is in keeping with assessed terrorist activity; a series of spectacular attacks was fully anticipated and has been timed not only to co-incide with the US withdrawal, but also the on-going political crisis.  Movement for PSCs and their clients is likely to be restricted over the coming days as checkpoints increase manning and searches

Analysis

A number of attacks were reported across Baghdad from approximately 0700 on 22 December; given the recent paucity of attacks in the capital, the concentration not only in time but the geographic spread of the incidents indicates that they were almost certainly co-ordinated. These attacks have been assessed to have been imminent with an increase in attempted high impact attacks occurring since the beginning of Ashura. The last set of similar attacks was on 15 August, with several smaller clusters since; details of today's attacks remain sketchy, and it is likely that some attacks, initially assessed as VBIEDs will be re-categorized as IEDs. Irrespective of that, well-planned IED attacks can achieve the same result as a VBIED in terms of casualties and their impact on the collective perception of the security situation.

Due to heightened fears over the US military withdrawal, exacerbated by the present political deadlock instigated by PM al-Maliki's conflict with Vice-President al-Hashemi and Deputy PM al-Mutlaq, the timing of the attacks will have a disproportionate effect on both domestic and international judgments of Iraq's security situation. AQIZAM is particularly adept at identifying and exploiting such critical junctures in order to achieve a strategic impact. As above, the relative volume of attacks alone will feed a perception of a series of mass-attacks, certainly when off-set against the low-level, both in terms of quality and quantity, of recent terrorist activity in Baghdad.

Today's events will also have political ramifications, in that apparent security failures will be blamed on a number of players, ranging from the GoI to individual political blocs. Initial details indicate that the majority of those targeted appear to have been Iraqi civilians, rather than higher-profile targets such as ministries, ISF headquarters or members of the establishment. There are several advantages from a terrorist perspective to this approach; easier to conduct and more likely to cause casualties, it also brings home to the ordinary Iraqi the direct consequences of terrorist attacks.

A suicide bomber reportedly detonated a VBIED at the Integrity Commission office in Karadah, killing 13 civilians and wounding 36 others. Two consecutive IED detonations targeted construction workers, killing two and wounding nine, near the Baghdad Cinema in al-Alawi in Karkh. In Adhamiyah in the north of the city, a UVIED detonation killed two civilians and wounded eight others in al-Maghrib Street, and a controlled detonation of two VBIEDs parked near an IA checkpoint killed three civilians and wounded nine others in Hay Adan in al-Sha'ab. An IED detonation also reportedly struck a PSC convoy in the area, killing three and wounding six others. It remains unclear whether this was in fact a PSC, or a GoI or ISF PSD.

In East Rashid, a VBIED detonation killed one civilian and wounded six others near the Tabaqaib Bridge and an IED detonation wounded three civilians on 60 Street in al-Doura. Also in East Rashid, three consecutive IED detonations killed one civilian and wounded four others near a school in Abu Dishir; in West Rashid, a VBIED detonation killed five civilians in the Industrial District in al-Bayaa. In Mansour, two IED explosions wounded a total of seven civilians in al-Harthiyah and on Arba' Shawari' Street, whilst in Rusafa an IED detonation wounded three civilians in Bab al-Mu'adham. In the east of Baghdad, three civilians were wounded in an IED detonation near a grocery store in Hayy al-Amin, and in al-Shu'ulah, northwest Baghdad, a VBIED detonated in a garage.

Major General Qasim Ata, The Baghdad Operations Command spokesman, said that ISF had found six VBIEDs, five in eastern Baghdad, and one in the city's west – some detonated as ISF attempted to defuse them, although others were successfully reduced.

Two explosions heard from in the IZ at 0730, are likely to have been one of the attacks previously outlined; some initial reports indicated that two rockets had struck within the IZ's perimeter, near the Presidential Palace and 400 m west of checkpoint one. The IDF report remains unconfirmed, but perimeter checkpoints were temporarily closed and IA foot patrols commenced near the US Embassy. Freedom of movement in the IZ, except in the proximity of external checkpoints, remains largely unhindered excluding self-imposed movement restrictions. Tactical Analysis Unit – Iraq 4 4

Concentrations of attacks such as this are not new, and are fully expected on a periodic basis. What differentiates this is the febrile political and sectarian mood that pervades the country, with many fearing an outbreak of ethno-religious violence. Whilst this is unlikely to occur, fingers will no doubt be pointed after this series – thus achieving one of AQIZAM's primary objectives. The perpetual bogeyman in the form of Ba'athists will receive some blame in some quarters, and there is potential, as with preceding spectacular attacks, that senior figures within the ISF may be deemed culpable for breaches of security.

The impact to commercial operations will not be dissimilar to previous high-profile attacks. ISF posture in certain areas, but particularly around ministries or ISF sites may heighten, accompanied by augmented checkpoints and movement restrictions. The possibility of several further spectacular attacks cannot be ruled out, as AQIZAM seeks to capitalize on the publicity that it has generated from these attacks. The IZ, especially the US Embassy, is a primary candidate, as are any other locations with an enduring US presence. Prominent Iraqi establishment targets would also fall into this category. What remains to be seen, and warrants close monitoring, is how today's attacks are felt on the national political stage.

MohammedRidha Alaskry MAX, 22-Dec.2011. Evening

Libya Risk report is out !

 

Summary

The risk of clashes involving militia groups in the capital will increase as a deadline for groups from outside the city to leave approaches, there is an ongoing risk of further demonstrations in both Tripoli and Benghazi. The Ras Ajedir border crossing between Libya and Tunisia fully opened on 19 December after being closed on 30 November following clashes on the border. Tensions are still reported to be higher in Sirte than the majority of other major cities, and the presence of Misratan militia groups patrolling the streets has the potential to heighten tensions. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council, US and EU lifted sanctions on the Libyan Central Bank and its subsidiary the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB) over the last week. 

Tripoli

There is an ongoing risk of clashes involving the various militia groups in the capital, the risk will increase over the coming week as a deadline for groups from outside the city to leave approaches. Demonstrations in support of the deadline are also likely, although these will likely remain non-violent. Some demonstrations by militiamen calling for more pay sprang up around hotels housing Western media personnel in recent months and AKE assesses that the risk of continued protests of this nature remains. Government buildings, particularly the Interior Ministry, are also at risk of being targeted by demonstrators; however, so far these protests have also remained non-violent. 

Benghazi

AKE assesses that there is an ongoing risk of further demonstrations in Benghazi, most of which will be focused in central areas of the city, particularly Sharjah square. There are also concerns over levels of crime in the city, which increased following the ousting of pro-Gaddafi forces in February. 

The Borders

The Ras Ajedir border crossing between Libya and Tunisia fully opened on 19 December after being closed on 30 November following clashes and an increase in attacks on the border from the Libyan side. The violence, which Tunisian border guards claimed involved Libyan militia groups firing on Tunisian border posts, affected both the Ras Ajedir and Dehiba border crossings.     

                            

Sirte

Although the city continues the slow process of rebuilding, tensions are still reported to be higher here than the majority of other major cities. Areas of the city sustained substantial damage in the final siege of the city, particularly District Two, which was the last bastion of Gaddafi supporters in the city. In many areas of the city AKE sources on the ground have reported ongoing frustrations and a lack of the upbeat revolutionary fervour that can be seen elsewhere. One sign of this is the relative lack of revolutionary flags to be found in the city compared to other major cities. Fighters from Misrata continue to patrol the streets, and this could be a source of increasing tensions over the short term as some reports indicate growing frustration at what many locals call the Misratan occupation of their city. As is the case in many of the major cities that are patrolled by militia groups from elsewhere, there is an ongoing risk of clashes and demonstrations by locals calling for the outsider to leave. 

Political

The UN Security Council lifted sanctions on the Libyan Central Bank and its subsidiary the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB) on 16 December. The move will allow tens of billions of dollars of assets held abroad to be unfrozen, helping to address an acute cash flow crisis within the government and Central Bank itself. Meanwhile, the US followed the UN move by lifting most of the sanctions it had placed on the government and the Central Bank. The EU then followed suit on 21 December, by lifting sanctions on the both institutions. However, an EU statement confirmed that a partial freeze of assets of the Libyan Investment Authority and Libya Africa Investment Portfolio imposed on 16 September, before the overthrow of 

Muammar Gaddafi, would remain in force.

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Source: AKE

Weekly Security Update for 21st December 2011

Levels of violence fell in Iraq over the past week, with attacks concentrated in Mosul, Baghdad and Kirkuk. There was a scattering of incidents throughout the central provinces and a notable bombing attack on oil and gas infrastructure in Basrah province. Bomb attacks left at least 15 people dead and 77 injured, a decline from the previous week, while a consistent number of small arms attacks left 15 people dead and seven injured. There were no suicide attacks recorded over the course of the week, and the country should now be considered statistically overdue.

Politicking

The political situation appears to have deteriorated considerably over recent days. There are growing concerns that the arrest warrant for vice prime minister Tariq al-Hashimi will bring Iraq’s political communities to the brink of confrontation. Whether or not there is truth in the allegations made against al-Hashimi, the ongoing pursuit of alleged Ba’athists and suspected terrorists from the Sunni community in the central provinces will increase suspicions amongst the public that a witch hunt is underway. This is hardly a situation conducive towards reconciliation, development and advancement in the post-US era of the country and does not bode well for stability and security in 2012.

The Withdrawal

AKE issued a risk advisory for Iraq following the withdrawal of US forces which concluded on 17 December. US counter-insurgency operations will no longer take place on the ground while training of the Iraqi security forces has also been significantly scaled back. The country now faces a security gap, which various threat groups, both domestic and external may attempt to capitalise on. Violence may therefore rise over the course of 2012, not least as the political environment appears to growing more competitive and confrontational.

Medical Concerns

From a practical perspective foreign personnel will no longer be able to rely on advanced medical treatment in the event of illness or injury in the country. Organisations should therefore aim to be as medically self-sufficient as possible and ensure that employees have sufficient evacuation, repatriation and insurance cover in advance of travel. Organisations should also strongly consider taking medically trained personnel with them on deployments. For further information on security and medical support in the country please emailoperations@akegroup.com.

Abductions

Three people were kidnapped in separate incidents in the central provinces last week, including a mayor in Babil province who was later found shot dead. Three ministry employees abducted last week were also found shot dead in Salah ad-Din province. AKE will be producing its quarterly update on worldwide kidnap trends in the new year. If you would like to be added to the mailing list please complete your details here.

Basrah Bombings

Up to three improvised explosive devices targeted oil pipelines servicing southern oilfields last week. There were no casualties but open sources indicate that the pipes were damaged and local output was reduced by half for at least a day. While an investigation is ongoing, there is widespread speculation over the threat group behind the incident. With the perpetrators potentially either from local communities along the length of the pipeline, or amongst energy workers themselves, the importance of due diligence, employee consultation and community engagement has once again been highlighted. It is not economically feasible to station guards along the entire length of pipeline infrastructure, but engaging with local communities and staying in close communication with employees will work well towards mitigating the risk of further violence. Needless to say, close relations with local communities will also work towards empowering the Iraqi public and illustrating that the energy sector is there for the good of the country, and not to steal a sovereign resource.

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Source :  AKE

World Piracy Report

AKE's maritime analyst Rory Lamrock warned that hijackings were likely to rise over the coming weeks.

"The Indian Ocean Monsoon will draw to a close by the end of the month, which will make it easier for pirates to travel out into open waters and attack vessels."

Speaking at the high profile Offshore Europe oil and gas conference in Aberdeen, Lamrock also warned that shipping interests associated with the oil and gas sector were as much at risk as anyone else.

"Pirates have demonstrated their intent to attack all types of vessels, from private yachts to Very Large Crude Carriers. Oil tankers in particular are an attractive target because they tend to result in a higher than normal ransom sum when they are eventually freed."

The report findings also indicate that there was an overall decline in pirate activity off East Africa over the course of August, due largely to the ongoing monsoon in the Indian Ocean. 

Elsewhere in the world, Southeast Asia and Latin America both saw a rise in reported attacks, as incidents of opportunistic theft continue to occur.

According to Andrew Kain, the CEO of AKE, vessels need to ensure security self-sufficiency when transiting waters afflicted by piracy.

"While naval warships are patrolling the Gulf of Aden the reality is that they cannot protect every vessel from attack."

"They are also very concentrated in a small body of water, whereas Somali pirates are active in the wider Indian Ocean. It would be impossible to patrol such a large area effectively."

Vessel operators need to take measures to protect their own ships, crew and cargo, according to Kain. Precautions such as crew training, barbed fire fences and the use of citadels or safe-rooms are all recommended to make it as difficult as possible for pirates to gain access to the bridge and crew.

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Source: AKE