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British admiral warns on ISIS attacks in the Mediterranean

Britain’s highest-ranking naval officer in Nato has warned Islamic State, also known as Daesh, is planning attacks on shipping in the Mediterranean from its new bases in Libya.

Vice Admiral Clive Johnstone told British media yesterday that Islamic State is trying to build a navy to wage war in the Mediterranean.

“Nato mustn’t think the Mediterranean is just about immigration. It is the spread along the North African seaboard, it is the Daesh entry into Libya, it is the Daesh control of Sirte and other places, which has an uncomfortable shadow over maritime trade and maritime access,” he warned.

Islamic State militants have in the past been linked to targeting the Suez Canal.

The Mediterranean warning comes hot on the heels of a warning that maritime terrorism in Southeast Asia could return this year.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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