The British Observer has reported that U.S. and British intelligence services are hunting for nearly 20 ships believed to be part of a fleet linked to Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network.
Reportedly, U.S. and European intelligence services have been relentlessly hunting for the ‘phantom fleet,’ fearing the vessels could be transporting biological agents, explosives and poisons.
A joint intelligence operation nearly three months ago led by Norway’s security service and the U.S.-based Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.) identified the ships.
The ‘flags of convenience’ clause, under which ships may be registered as Panamanian, Cypriot or Liberian, has reportedly hindered the search.
British anti-terror agents continue to search the London-bound MV Nisha, which was seized off the coast of England on Friday in a raid by British Navy units. No explosives or ammunition were found aboard the vessel.
Experts in the industry have increasingly been calling for more stringent regulations in the wake of the September 11 attacks. “We warned about this right after the 11 September attacks. There is a complete lack of regulation in the industry. Perhaps now people will start to listen to us,” said David Cockcroft, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation.
Sources fear the potential of a huge attack, orchestrated by a ship packed with explosives docking near a major port. “It could make a terrible mess of a city and would be relatively easy to do,” said David Cockcroft.
The U.K. has in recent months discussed enforcing tighter controls to put an end to "phantom ships" - those that are fraudulently registered or certified. (Albawaba.com)
