I will assume that none of these vessels had armed security on board. Because if these dorks are only using steel bars or knives, then by all means they should get a good scare when they see an armed response.
The other thing I was thinking about, but really cannot say for sure, is if any of these attacks show the signs of being jihadist related? The areas of these attacks would make it highly likely that these pirates were muslim, but you never know. These guys could just be thugs trying to take advantage of unarmed and easy prey.
We will see if this area gets nuts again, and how this pirate industry evolves. I have no doubt that all wannabe pirates are watching what the Somali’s are doing, and dreaming about getting millions of dollars in ransoms. –Matt
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Spike in Pirate Attacks in Indonesian Waters Raises Warnings
Sara Schonhardt
06 September 2010
In the latest of a series of attacks in Southeast Asian waters, armed pirates attacked a Japanese chemical tanker off the Indonesian island of Mangkai in the South China Sea. Indonesia and its neighbors are coordinating efforts to fight the pirates.
Pirates armed with guns and knives are increasing their attacks on ships passing by three Indonesian islands off the east coast of Malaysia.
The International Maritime Bureau says 27 pirate attacks have been reported in the South China Sea since January, up from only seven in all of 2009. A spate of attacks since mid-August has deepened concerns at the maritime crime monitor, which warns ships to remain vigilant in the area.
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said Monday the country’s navy is coordinating with the navies of Singapore and Malaysia to respond to the issue. He says the government plans to increase naval patrols in the area.
“The South China Sea is a very busy sea lane of communication, including the Strait of Malacca in Singapore,” he said. “It is important on our part that we conduct coordinated patrols as well as close communication.”
Globally acts of piracy are down this year, but an Asia security agency called ReCAAP reported a 40 percent increase in armed ship attacks in the region in the first half of 2010. So far the attacks have been minor, with no hostages taken or ships seized.