by
Jennifer L. Rodriguez
TLMT605
July 15, 2012
Table of Contents
Abstract
Literature Review
Body of Content
1. Economic Impact
2. High Visibility/High Causalities
3. Ease of Attack
4. Conclusion
References
Abstract
Since the 9/11 attacks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased
security measures at airports that are continuously scrutinized. However, it appears on
the surface there is a disregard of the protection of seaports and container ships to
include early warning and response protocols. There are millions of pounds of cargo …show more content…
As a result of urban development, most major ports are no longer
confined to strictly industrial areas, but rather have become well-developed centers of
commerce and entertainment, surrounded by built up waterside areas dedicated to tourism
and recreation (Watts, 2005). Many of these facilities are located next to volatile maritime
infrastructure such as: fuel tanks, this could create mass fires if attacked by an
explosive force, this would result in mass casualties. Even the Council on Foreign
Relations warns that U.S. seaports could be tempting targets for terrorists bent on killing large numbers of people. Stephen Flynn, a senior council member, admits that “maritime
transportation is one of our nation’s most serious vulnerabilities”.
Ease of Attacks
Commercial ports are not fortresses. The ocean itself presents a number of distinct
advantages to a dedicated attacker, especially when employing maritime suicide terrorism
or means to rapidly deliver large explosive force. Water is not only a tremendously
efficient transport medium, but the large amount of legitimate commercial and
recreational traffic in ports allows for an enemy to mask movements prior to an attack,
making effective defense difficult. An attack of this kind, through a port, could be
devastating, depending on the target. Terrorists could use the ports as a point