Ships risk attacks in Malacca Strait
Singapore's navy is urging commercial ships passing through a major shipping lane that runs between Indonesia and Malaysia to increase security measures.
The navy said a terrorist group is planning attacks on oil tankers travelling through the Strait of Malacca. The strait is a major trade route, and an attack that closes it could have a major impact on global trade.
"The terrorists' intent is probably to achieve widespread publicity and showcase that it remains a viable group," an advisory said. "However, this information does not preclude possible attacks on other large vessels with dangerous cargo."
They didn't say which terrorist group is planning the attacks.
The Malacca Strait is the favorite route of oil shippers between the Persian Gulf and Asian Pacific markets. The strait, just 2.7 kilometers at its narrowest point, was the second-busiest shipping lane of crude in 2006, with 15 million barrels a day passing through, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency.
Singapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula and is home to the world's busiest port.
Indonesia has not received any information from Singapore about possible attacks but plans to boost air and sea patrols, Defense Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. I Wayan Midio said.
"We are committed to increase the awareness and security in the Malacca Strait to anticipate any terrorist attacks," he said.
Singapore said small fishing boats or speedboats were used in past successful terrorist attacks against ships, and these kinds of vessels could be used in the Malacca Strait.
They recommended ships add lookouts and lighting, avoid fishing areas and maintain a good speed. Spokesmen at the Defence Ministry were not immediately available for comment.
with files from CBC News
American sailors on watch while transiting through the Strait of Malacca. 

The Singapore Navy on Thursday warned of a possible pirate threat to ships passing through the Strait of Malacca after receiving a correspondence from an unnamed terrorist organization.

According to the Navy, the intent of the terrorists was to "achieve widespread publicity and showcase that they remain a viable group." While the threat received covered only oil tankers, other large cargo ships were also at risk of attack, naval officials went on to say.  

To reduce possible risks, the Navy urged ships to strengthen onboard security, including adding additional lights and lookouts. They also recommended that ships maintain a higher speed and report any unusual incidents to the proper authorities. The advisory said that past attacks in the Strait had been carried out by small vessels such as motorboats or fishing boats with armed crews. Commercial vessels were also warned to avoid known fishing areas accordingly.

The Singapore Navy said that it had contacted other countries in the area to warn them of the threat. Both Indonesia and Malaysia have also announced plans to increase patrols in order to provide additional security.

The Strait of Malacca is a major conduit for oil shipments. With around a third of global oil shipments passing through, it is the main route for travelling from the Middle East to Asia. Any attack on vessels within the Strait would likely have a major ripple effect on global trade.