Malaysia: Naval operations launched in Sulu Sea with Indonesia and Philippines June 19

Event

The Indonesian, Malaysian, and Philippine governments announced on the morning of Monday, June 19, that joint naval operations had been launched in the Sulu Sea, as part of an effort to combat terrorism and transnational crime. The alliance was dubbed "the Trilateral Maritime Patrol," and Tarakan Island in North Kalimantan is being used as the primary command and control base.  Maritime Command Centers (MCCs) have also been set up in Tawau and Bongao.

Although the focus is on maritime operations, air and land assets are also expected to be involved in the effort. A spokesperson for the Indonesian military stated that the joint patrol was intended to maintain stability in the region, in the face of threats such as piracy, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Context

The Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have all been placed on the highest security alert level due to the heightened risk of terror attacks.  Joint naval operations have been launched amid a two-week-long battle in the neighboring Philippines between Maute militants and the Philippine government. Martial law has been imposed across the region in an attempt to prevent the Islamic State (IS) from establishing a stronghold.

Sailors and foreigners are regularly abducted in the Sulu Sea.

Advice

Individuals present in Malaysia are advised to remain vigilant at all times. Sailing in the Sulu Sea should be avoided due to the high risk of kidnapping.

Due to the significant risk of terrorist attacks in Malaysia individuals are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities, particularly when visiting sites deemed especially likely to be targeted (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).