Strategies to secure sea ports against terrorism, illegal trading and illegal migration

Abstract

This study focuses on maritime security and illegal actions that take place at sea which can evolve into international conflicts and disputes. The field of maritime security entails the comprehensive confrontation of illegal actions such as maritime piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal trade of drugs and arms, plunder and environmental crimes. This study will focus on the ports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and will look at ways to achieve security and stability of the country’s maritime transportation sector. The study concentrates mainly on three issues: maritime terrorism, illegal trade and illegal immigration. Terrorism has increased, especially after the events of 9/11, and terrorists are using new methods to attack civilians and governments all over the world. The study concentrates on the danger of terrorism in seaports and sets out a strategy to confront it. Illegal trade is considered one of the most dangerous international crimes and all countries of the world suffer from the trafficking of drugs and arms. KSA is no exception. It suffers from these crimes across its maritime and territorial borders. Thus, it is important to tackle this crime via a security strategy for protecting Saudi ports. KSA also suffers from a high level of illegal immigration across its maritime and territorial borders, mainly from neighbouring countries such as Yemen, Somalia and Iraq. Illegal migrants are usually searching for work and a better life. The study tries to find new methods to solve the problems of maritime terrorism, illegal trade and illegal immigration at large ports. Securing the coasts of KSA, which stretch 2000 km along both the Red Sea and the Arab Gulf, is an important matter, XIII especially nowadays with the spread of terrorist attacks due to international political and religious conflicts. The geographical location of KSA is considered a huge obstacle to the successful securing of its ports and coasts, as KSA is surrounded by 13 countries. Some of these countries are very poor in terms of their economy and security level. There are also several political conflicts surrounding KSA, and every year thousands of migrants try to enter KSA looking for work or trying to perform religious pilgrimage. In addition, many methods are used for the trade of drugs, explosives and arms. All these issues are tackled in the study with the aim of setting a strategy for the protection of Saudi ports. The researcher uses a questionnaire to obtain data from Saudi borders guards in order to recognize the role of these forces in protecting Saudi ports. At the end the researcher reaches conclusions and makes important recommendations for the KSA government to consider, for example: Saudi authorities may wish to approve the strategy suggested by the researcher to protect Saudi ports from maritime terrorism, illegal trade and illegal immigration using the latest technology. KSA must further develop and activate this security strategy. Saud Arabia should use advanced technology systems for monitoring and protecting ports, especially pilotless planes (UAVs) to monitor the coasts.