Iranian navy announces enhanced presence in Red Sea to protect navigation

Iranian Navy ships in Velayat-90 military exercise, by Mohammad Sadegh Heydari via Wikipedia

Iran’s Navy commander, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, said on Wednesday that the presence of his country’s troops in the Red Sea would be reinforced to protect navigation routes.

Khanzadi indicated, in a press statement issued by Fars News Agency today, that “the Red Sea’s maritime security has been undermined, as several oil tankers have been targeted in recent months, which requires further strengthening the presence of our troops in this zone.”

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Source: middleeastmonitor.com

Iran plans to raise Hormuz peace initiative at IMO summit in London

The managing director of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization, has said that the Iranian delegation plans to put forward the Hormuz peace initiative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) summit in London.

In an interview with the IRIB on Monday, Mohammad Rastad said that security in the region must be maintained by the regional countries.

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Source: hellenicshippingnews.com

Freed British couple recall ordeal as IS captives

A British man and his wife rescued this week from Islamist captors in the Philippines’ south said they were chained and threatened with beheading if a ransom was not delivered.

The couple, shaken but unharmed, shared the details of their nearly two-month ordeal with reporters after escaping during a gunfight on Monday between Philippine troops and the Islamic State (IS)-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

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Source: phnompenhpost.com

PH military holds maritime training exercise with Indonesia

By Martin Sadongdong

The Philippines and Indonesian militaries are indulged in a five-day maritime training that started Monday to enhance the readiness of both navies in addressing common maritime security concerns and interests.

Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), spearheaded the opening ceremony of the first Philippine-Indonesia Maritime Training Activity (MTA) at the Naval Station Felix in Panacan, Davao City.

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Source: news.mb.com.ph

Kidnapped British couple rescued after Philippines gun battle

A British businessman and his Filipino wife have been rescued from their abductors in the southern Philippines, the country’s army has said.

Allan Arthur Hyrons, 70, and wife Wilma were taken from their beach resort on the southern island of Mindanao by four armed men on 4 October.

They were freed after a gun battle with the kidnappers in the neighbouring Sulu region at about 17:00 GMT on Sunday. The couple were taken for medical checks after their abductors fled.

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Source: bbc.co.uk

Indonesia, neighbors work closely to release abducted citizens

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The government has continued to work hand in hand with Malaysia and the Philippines to facilitate the release of three Indonesians held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group since last September.

Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Judha Nugraha delivered his response to a video last week that showed three Indonesians seeking the government’s assistance to set them free.

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Source: en.antaranews.com

Abu Sayyaf sub-leader allegedly killed in Sulu encounter

RJ Rosalado

A sub-commander of the Abu Sayyaf group was allegedly killed while two soldiers were wounded in a gun battle that broke out in Patikul, Sulu on Friday morning, a top military official said.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of 11th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said government forces encountered around 20 to 30 armed bandits in the village of Sanda in Patikul while conducting security patrols in the area.

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Source: news.abs-cbn.com

Mysteries of the Middle East Gulf: proxies, drones and spoofing

by Craig Jallal

Abu Sayyaf demands RM2.4mil ransom for trio

By Kristy Inus

KOTA KINABALU: The armed men who abducted three Indonesian fishermen off Lahad Datu, Sabah, two months ago are demanding RM2.45mil for their release. The demand, made through one of the victims via a video recording, was released on Facebook last Saturday.

The three were identified as Maharudin Lunani, 48, his son Muhammad Farhan, 27, and crew member Samiun Maneu, 27. They were abducted by armed men from a Sandakan-registered fishing trawler off Tambisan waters.

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Source: thestar.com.my

More military assets to be deployed in Sulu

Roel Pareño

More military equipment will be deployed in Sulu to help ground forces defeat Abu Sayyaf bandits and neutralize foreign terrorists hiding on the island.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Noel Clement announced during his visit to the Western Mindanao Command last week the acquisition for the Light Armor Battalion of additional C-130s and the arrival of a C295 personnel transport plane, attack helicopters, a Navy warship and armored tanks, which are equipped with sophisticated weapon systems that can hit long-range targets, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said.

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Source: philstar.com