Naval Postgraduate School

Terrorism in the Maritime Domain Naval Postgraduate School

Publisher Marketing: The impact of the September 11, 2001, attack by Al Qaeda was felt worldwide with increased security measures. However, maritime security measures are not as encompassing. This thesis investigated the possibility of maritime domain terrorism threats and what could be done to prevent such attacks as modeled on the basis of system of systems. Only certain terrorist groups have the capability to launch maritime terrorist attacks. The terrorist motives are to spread their political message, responding to what they have perceived as oppression. The system of systems model suggests (and is validated) that container vessels and cruise ships are potential targets, with possible human and economic consequences. However, these maritime targets failed to match the terrorist groups' objectives. Political assets such as warships and land-based maritime infrastructure align well to terrorist motives. Enhanced security measures protecting military and maritime infrastructure may require terrorists to use uncommon forms of attack. Terrorists could use submersible vehicles to remain undetectable. Costly submersible vehicles limit the type and number of terrorist groups that can employ such capability.