Western Algarve target

Information from the British Secret Service, MI6, suggests that the Al-Qaeda terrorist network could be preparing to attack merchant navy ships and that Cabo São Vicente in the Algarve is a possible target. Both Admiral Sir Alan West, quoted in the Lloyd’s List maritime journal, and a source from the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that “Al-Qaeda and other organisations might target commercial maritime routes”. The US and several other countries have repeatedly referred to the vulnerability of the maritime transport network, which is responsible for carrying 90 per cent of the world’s commercial goods, both in terms of tonnage and value. Both Cabo São Vicente, which is passed by all maritime traffic travelling between Northern Europe and Asia, and the Straits of Gibraltar are mentioned in the MI6 report.