Houthi rebels from Yemen seized what they referred to as an Israeli cargo ship in the Red Sea. The group then warned that all vessels connected to Israel “will become a legitimate target for armed forces.” The Houthi rebels released a video showing what they say is the attack and seizure of the vessel.
Houthi forces said they would “continue to carry out military operations against the Israeli enemy until the aggression against Gaza stops and the ugly crimes … against our Palestinian brothers in Gaza and the West Bank stop,” said Yahya Sare’e, a spokesperson for the group in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
The released video showed masked, armed men exiting a helicopter onto the deck of the ship while it was still moving. The video showed crew members with their arms up being threatened at gunpoint. Palestinian and Yemeni flags were raised onboard. The authenticity of the video has not been verified.
Israel said the vessel, the Galaxy Leader, is a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship and described the incident as an “Iranian act of terrorism” with consequences for international maritime security.
Israel’s military said on X (formerly Twitter): “the hijacking of a cargo ship by the Houthis near Yemen in the southern Red Sea is a very grave incident of global consequence.”
The captain of a dive boat has been convicted of criminal negligance after 34 people were killed on board the boat. Jerry Boylan, the captain, was found guilty of misconduct/neglect of a ship officer in a trial in Los Angeles, Calif.
The fire occurred in 2019 on the commercial scuba diving vessel, the Conception. The boat caught fire near Santa Cruz Island, Calif. on the morning of Sept. 2, 2019. All passengers were sleeping below deck. Boylan and four members of the crew excaped but it is maintained that they did not attempt to help the passengers.
Boylan was convicted of “failing to perform any lifesaving or firefighting activities whatsoever at the time of the fire, even though he was uninjured,” the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said in a press release that announced the conviction.
One person died and four others are missing after two cargo ships collided. The incident took place North Sea off the coast of Germany. An additional two crew members were rescued, according to German officials.
The British-flagged Verity is said to have collided with the Polesie, ship’s registry Bahamas, on Tuesday morning. Reports say the Verity sank. The Polesie remained a float.
The Verity was traveling from Bremen to Immingham in the UK when it collided with the Polesie, which had departed from Hamburg on its way to La Coruña in Spain. The incident happened off the coast of Heligoland.
Rescue ships from the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS), a German navy helicopter and a water police boat are aiding in the search efforts, the DGzRS said. A cruise ship which is in the vicinity also contributed to the search.
German Transport Minister Volker Wissing thanked rescue crews and said every effort was being made to rescue the missing people, according to a statement posted on X.
K2 Construction Consultants has been awarded a five-year, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling value of approximately $253 million by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) to deploy technology designed to detect and prevent nuclear and radiological material or devices from entering the United States. K2 partnered with Parsons Corporation and Culmen International to win the Radiation Portal Monitor Program (RPMP) Deployment contract.
The K2 team will deploy radiation portal monitors (RPM) across the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders and at international airports, seaports, and global postal facilities, in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“We are excited to expand our support of DHS to the CWMD mission from our many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs installing security screening systems and technology,” said Paul Krogh, chief executive officer of K2 Construction Consultants, Inc. “The team brings extraordinary capabilities and wide-ranging expertise for the development of threat reduction systems, integration of security screening technologies, as well as program and logistics management, procurement, and construction.”
“The critical importance of preventing nuclear and radiological material from entering the United States cannot be overstated,” said Jon Moretta, president, Engineered Systems for Parsons. “Working closely with K2, Culmen and DHS, we look forward to deploying technologies to help ensure the continued protection of American citizens and success of the RPMP mission.”
The K2 team will perform site surveys and designs, equipment installation, configuration management, and commissioning.
“Culmen’s capabilities and experience provides the Government with unique resources and expertise needed to fulfil the CWMD RPMP mission,” said Dan Berkon, CEO of Culmen International. “Culmen is proud to be part of the K2 team enhancing US and international security by implementing radiation portal monitoring solutions at critical sites.”
“We have assembled the strongest team in the industry to execute this important mission for CWMD,” said Paul Krogh. “K2, Parsons and Culmen are ideally positioned because of our exceptional track records with DHS, TSA and CBP.”
Major air carriers around the globe suspended air service to Israel after Saturday’s attack launched from Gaza. Tour operators and cruise lines are changing itineraries too, in an effort to avoid Israel as well as canceling trips all together.
Hundreds of flights into Israel have been cancelled or delayed but Ben Gurion Intl. Airport remains operational. Delta Air Lines released a statement saying “Delta is continuously monitoring the security environment in Israel to inform cancellations to our Tel Aviv flight schedule. Our hearts are with all who are impacted as our people work to find safe alternatives for customers trying to travel to/from Tel Aviv…Delta people are keeping those impacted top of mind as we continuously monitor the rapidly evolving security environment and assess our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports, including the most recent U.S. Department of State travel advisory. We will continue making schedule adjustments, including additional cancellations on a rolling basis, as needed for the safety of our customers and crew while remaining committed to assisting those needing travel.”
The aforementioned U.S. Department of State travel advisory says the following, “Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning. Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.”
The country information page said this:
“U.S. citizens wishing to depart Israel can check the status of Ben Gurion International Airport and the availability and status of flights here: https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/airports/ben-gurion/flight-board/?flightType=departures. Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, but some flights have been reduced or suspended. U.S. carriers have temporarily suspended flights to Israel. Please check with the airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. For more information, please visit the airport’s website here: https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/
U.S. citizens can check the status of land border crossings here:
U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning. U.S. citizens should monitor news outlets and follow advice from local security and emergency response officials to increase their security awareness.
U.S. Embassy personnel must observe a curfew from 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM and are urged to stay as close to home as possible outside the curfew hours. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from personal travel to the West Bank until further notice.
U.S. citizens should take this into consideration when planning their own activities. ”
El Al press release said their flights were being “operated as scheduled and that the airline was offering flexible cancellations to customers.” The airline is also adding flight service from additional destinations to allow people to return home to Israel.
Many cruise companies with scheduled port calls in Israel will not be stopping in Israeli cities such as Ashdod and Haifa. Cruise operators report exchanging those stops for ports in Turkey and or Greece. Some cruises that embark from Israel have been canceled through the end of October.
It’s likely that Russia is using a 60-year old amphibious aircraft to search for Ukrainian threats like drones in the Black Sea Fleet, according to intelligence sources and reports.
Kyiv as ramped up attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and other targets around the occupied Crimean peninsula as part of an ongoing counteroffensive. This includes cruise missile strikes on a key shipyard and the fleet’s headquarters and attacks with uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), also known as sea drones, on Russian ships.
In early August, Ukraine employed sea drones in two major attacks, damaging the ship Olenegorsky Gornyak at the Russian port of Novorossiysk, and disabling the Russian merchant tanker Sig near the Kerch Strait.
“In recent weeks, the Naval Aviation component of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has assumed a particularly important role in the Fleet’s operations as it struggles to deal with concurrent threats on the southern flank of the Ukraine war,” Britain’s defense ministry wrote in a Monday intelligence update. “Naval Aviation is emphaszing maritime air patrol operations, highly likely with a primary mission of the early identification of uncrewed surface vessels,” Britain’s defense ministry said. “A key Russian asset in these operations is the Be-12 MAIL amphibious aircraft, designed in the 1950s, flying out of bases in occupied Crimea.”
Saab’s offered solution is based on a proven and future-proof design, the company says. It will incorporate the latest capabilities and technologies, whilst its truly modular design will allow for new technologies as they evolve to ensure relevance for many years to come.
Saab and Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group have cooperated since 2015 and the offer to build submarines to replace the Dutch Walrus-class is a balanced cooperation between the Netherlands and Sweden.
“The outstanding capabilities of the Expeditionary Submarine C718 meets and exceeds the Dutch needs and requirements long-term. Our offer constitutes a substantial contribution to the operational capability of the Dutch Defence Forces. Cooperation with local industry throughout the program secures strategic autonomy for the Netherlands. These are Dutch submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy,” says Mats Wicksell, senior vice president and head of Saab’s business area Kockums.
The C718 is an advanced Expeditionary Submarine that offers an unsurpassed level of endurance and exceeds the Royal Netherlands Navy needs for long-distance operations, sufficient accommodation, crew comfort and increased weapon payload capability.
As part of the proposal, Saab offers a proven and integrated weapon launching system and one of the best sensor systems in the world. Saab’s innovative design features signature solutions to minimize detection by active sonars, all combined in an undetectable and extremely capable submarine.
The European Organization for Security (EOS) announced the creation of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group which aims to support the development of a strong European AI security market.
The creation of this AI Working Group is particularly important at a time when it is becoming increasingly apparent that Artificial Intelligence is not only affecting the entire spectrum of security domains, from border and urban security, to protection of critical infrastructure, to cybersecurity, but can also be used by hostile states and malevolent actors to conduct cyber and physical attacks and pursue terrorist or criminal goals.
To minimize risks to citizens and infrastructure, it is important for Europe to ensure its strategic autonomy in the development of AI systems employed for security purposes. European programs aimed at developing and deploying AI-enabled capabilities in the security ecosystem represent the most effective way to achieve Europe’s strategic autonomy.
In this context, the AI Working Group will be continuing the work of EOS’s AI Task Force on defining common European requirements for AI, identifying technological and capability gaps and solutions, and implementing an AI-focused capability development plan for security. Through this work, EOS reaffirms its position as the voice of the security industry and research community in Europe.
Technology to control the import or export of shipping containers, detect hidden contraband and verify the crossing of legitimate trade items is advancing.
Approximately 12 million maritime containers arrive at U.S. land borders every year, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The seaports take in an equal number, and 2.7 million arrive by rail. CBP’s mission is to protect America and the American people from incoming threats.
After the 9/11 attacks, U.S. Customs Service created the Container Security Initiative (CSI), an anti-terrorism program. CSI proposes a security regime to ensure all containers that pose a potential risk for terrorism are identified and inspected at foreign ports before they are placed on vessels destined for the United States. This can include contraband such as illicit drugs, illegal imports, weapons and nuclear materials.
“Cargo containers, whether moved by ship, train or truck, provide a convenient means to transport illicit items,” says Mathieu Guillebaud, product development director at Leidos, Reston, Virginia. “Just as trucks can be scanned at border crossings, customs agencies can deploy the same cargo inspection technologies to scan containers at ports of entry and rail border crossings. By ensuring cargo inspection is in place at all entry/exit points, officials can control the import or export of shipping containers, detect hidden contraband and verify the crossing of legitimate trade items.”
Utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) large-scale X-ray and gamma-ray machines for cargo screening help process this cargo and ensure that only legally allowed material travels in and out. These systems can scrutinize entire trucks and multimodal containers using imaging and composition information to enable operators to find contraband without unloading it. Containers are screened as early in the supply chain as possible and done rapidly without slowing down the movement of trade. CBP’s 61 operational CSI ports (in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin and Central America) now prescreen over 80 percent of all maritime containerized cargo imported into the United States.
The process is similar to the imaging that carry-on baggage undergoes at airport security stations. CBP personnel may open some containers and examine their contents by hand if the images suggest that the cargo is potentially dangerous or deviates from the contents stated in the manifest.
Nonintrusive Imaging
Containers that the Automated Targeting System (ATS) flags as having a risk above a certain threshold undergo nonintrusive imaging, which gives CBP officers a way to see inside a container without the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of unpacking it. Nonintrusive imaging machines use either X-rays or gamma rays to penetrate the container and create an image of the contents. CBP operators are trained to identify suspicious cargo and discrepancies between what they see in the container and what the manifest in ATS describes. For example, the machines can detect dense nuclear materials or shielding, much as an X-ray can show the location of shrapnel in a wound.
Above: High-energy X-ray of cargo container from a Leidos inspection system. Leidos image.
The containers flagged for nonintrusive imaging are removed from the ship and placed along the pier or taken to another fixed location. When an imaging machine becomes available and arrives at the pier, CBP officers use it to inspect the containers. Imaging a container takes only a few minutes (compared with hours to unpack and repack it), although containers can be delayed for a few hours while they await imaging. Nevertheless, imaging disrupts the flow of incoming containers much less than unpacking, and imaging requires fewer people.
Incoming cargo shipments. Smiths Detection image.
Gamma-ray radiography technology is a type of cargo scanner that uses gamma rays to create images and 3-D mappings of content location, as well as other important information. It is one of the most common types of scanners and is used for both air cargo and maritime cargo. Gamma-ray systems use a reliable isotopic source and are relatively easy to use, and most have small radiation exclusion zones. Some systems can also determine certain types of material inside the container based on atomic characteristics; a few of these detectable materials are carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, silicon, chlorine, aluminum and iron. Gamma-ray systems can scan standard 40-foot containers in a few seconds and generate a total inspection time of less than a minute. These systems are available in mobile, portal, gantry and fixed-site deployment configurations. Current vehicle pass-through speeds in fixed-site systems (where the inspection unit is stationary) are approximately four to five miles per hour and some systems could attain speeds of more than 10 miles per hour in the future.
Used for both air cargo and maritime cargo, X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that transmits as waves. Today’s high-energy X-ray systems have linear accelerator sources that can penetrate dense cargo, detect differences in material densities and produce quality images for successful contraband detection. Operators will visually — sometimes with the help of sophisticated software — inspect the X-ray images for anomalies. X-ray systems generally take a few minutes to scan a standard 40-foot container while some more advanced systems can take only a few seconds. However, total inspection cycle times may range from 7-15 minutes or longer due to image analysis.
The AS&E OmniView Gantry can penetrate up to 400 mm of steel for inspection. AS&E images.
Guillebaud explains there are still legacy gamma-ray scanning systems in use, but X-ray-based scanning systems have become more prevalent due to advancements in technology, improved safety measures, and the ability to avoid deployment of radiation sources. “Additionally, regulatory and safety concerns have influenced the shift away from gamma-ray scanning in most countries.”
Neutron inspection systems can automatically detect the presence of specific threat materials, such as explosives and drugs. Fast neutron techniques are attractive for these applications as neutrons have the required penetration, interact with matter in a manner complementary to X-rays and can be used to determine elemental composition.
The Technology
While there have been incremental advancements in imaging technology, Guillebaud explains the most valuable innovations in cargo inspection have been the automation of image analysis and threat detection using artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technology. “The convergence of operationally resilient and cybersecure enterprise software platforms are beginning to accelerate and force-multiply customs operations. As a strategic focus area for Leidos, we are working with customs agencies to provide remote screening with AI-assisted analysis algorithms for threat detection and manifest verification in operational environments. These two technologies will allow customs agencies to centralize and leverage their scan data, correlate scans with other internal data sources, apply AI assistance at scale, and deliver that information anywhere within their organization for smarter, data-driven enforcement.”
AS&E says their Rapiscan Eagle G60 Series scanning system is ideal for cargo control at seaports and other sensitive sites where cargo control is required. (Photo courtesy of AS&E)
Billerica, Mass.-based American Science and Engineering Inc. (AS&E) has a OmniView ZBx Gantry system that provides detection capability by combining high-penetration transmission imaging with photo-like Z Backscatter imaging. The system provides multi-view and multi-technology imaging of trucks, cargo containers, and tankers. The system features penetration of 430 mm of steel and captures Z Backscatter images from three views for left-, right-, and top-side imaging of cargo. This combination of technologies provides imaging for successful manifest verification and detection of threats and contraband.
AS&E’s Rapiscan Eagle G60 Series is designed to operate with a small staff. This makes this system ideal for cargo control inputs of sensitive sites, border crossings and also to seaports. These units can be quickly disassembled and shipped to another site, requiring only the laying of rails on the new site. Available with a 6 MV linear accelerator, it is capable of providing a penetration of 400 mm with an optional dual energy source. The source and the X -ray detectors are placed in an electric gantry conveyor mounted on rails. The system automatically scans unoccupied vehicles on rails while the gantry moves over them. Rail length determines the number of vehicles that may be inspected by a single passage. The gantry is controlled remotely from a control room where the X-ray images are sent for analysis and evaluation. The multiple levels of imaging performance create flexibility for customers to select the system configuration ideally suited for their unique requirements.
Above: CBP officer analyzes an X-ray of a seaport container. Photo courtesy of James Tourtellotte.
City of Industry, Calif.-based Astrophysics’ HXP-FreightScan is a high-energy portal designed for screening trucks and shipping containers at seaports, border crossings and cargo centers. The portal is fully automated and can process up to 160 trucks an hour. Its precision software allows drivers to remain in their vehicles during screening and with a tunnel height of five meters (16.4 ft.), even oversized cargo can be scanned. The system is powered by a powerful betatron generator capable of penetrating up to 12.6 inches of steel. Its clear, high-resolution images make it easy for operators to identify threats and verify manifests, while its rugged construction ensures cost-effective operation.
Right: The TH4020 cargo and vehicle scanning system inspects a truck at a border. Safeway Inspection System Limited image.
Designed as a freight screening solution for air cargo, Reston, Va.-based Leidos’ PX 18.18 200 can also be used in other environments such as seaports, warehouses, manufacturing centers and military bases. The system can reduce the need to unpack contents for inspection, accelerating screening of consolidated cargo in skids and pallets while maintaining a high level of security. It offers a single-view, compact inspection system with penetration and image quality ensured by Leidos’ 200 kV X-ray source. The system is configurable, allowing customers to choose either a dual-view configuration or a single-view system that later can be upgraded in the field. The PX 18.18 200 includes a heavy-duty conveyor with narrow pitch rollers designed to facilitate loading and unloading of pallets via forklift.
The Shenzhen, China-based Safeagle’s large-scale model F150180C X-ray baggage screening system has tunnel dimensions designed to meet the requirements and applications of forwarders, warehouses and couriers for airport and seaport, allowing to detect various palletized cargos. Supported by the Dual Energy Imaging Detection System (DEIDS) with more than 20 imaging processing tools, operators can identify materials and view screened objects in four colors. The dual-energy imaging displayed is in different color-coding of materials with different atomic numbers, so that operators can easily distinguish the contraband from other items.
Leidos VACIS IP6500 inspection system with optional Exploranium SRPM-210 radiation portal monitor integration. Leidos image.
Acton, Australia-based CSIRO’s air cargo scanner uses a scanning technique combining high-energy neutrons with X-rays or gamma rays to produce images that show not just the shapes but also the composition of cargo items. The CSIRO scanner collects two separate radiographic images, one using X-rays or gamma rays and one using fast, high-energy neutrons. In contrast to X-rays which are stopped by dense materials such as metals, neutrons are most readily blocked by organic materials and substances with high hydrogen content. This means that by combining the X-ray and neutron images it is possible to construct a composite image that shows items colored according to their composition. The technology is easily integrated with existing airport systems and is non-intrusive to minimize the impact of security measures on rapid freight movement. Pallets and unit load devices can be scanned without being unpacked, allowing high volumes of cargo to be rapidly screened.
As trade volumes increase, Guillebaud explains the demand on speed and quality of cargo inspection is driving the need for AI-based algorithms to assist border authorities in processing larger volumes of cargo while maintaining the quality of inspections. “AI-assisted analysis accelerates the customs clearance workflow by identifying anomalous items in cases where the human eye cannot.”
Savox Communications, a provider of mission critical hearing protection and communication solutions, is launching a game-changing intercom system, which will bring a situational Sixth Sense into team operations: the Savox IMPW.
The Savox IMPW is an intercom system with wireless capability, designed to withstand the harshest conditions in both civilian and combat missions, ensuring uninterrupted communications.
The new Savox IMPW system incorporates the Savox IMP system, the Savox WIM (Wireless Interface Module) and a specific number of Savox WPCU’s (Wireless Personal Communication Units).
Natural and near-lag-free audio makes it easy for troops to maintain, acquire more, and share situational awareness within the group or with others, both within the vehicle or vessel and in its immediate vicinity. The Savox IMPW wireless intercom system ensures smooth cooperation between the team and the supporting vehicle in all situations, facilitating the execution of critical missions. The operating device carried by the users (WPCU) enables wireless communication with the vehicle’s crew, dismounted persons from the vehicle, and radios connected to the vehicle’s intercom system. The users can also connect personal radios to their operating device, enabling control of numerous different situations. The user can effortlessly switch and connect to a required radio or voice channel, enabling them to maintain complete focus on their primary task.
To safeguard the troops, the system operates at low power making it hard to be detected. Complete radio silence is achieved by simply turning off the base station, without the need to turn off user devices. The wireless connection is strongly protected and encrypted, making eavesdropping very challenging, if not virtually impossible.
Key benefits of the Savox IMPW wireless intercom system: – Wireless range up to 300m LOS – Maximum users per base station: 10 – AES-256 Encryption – Full-Duplex and PTT mode – Less than 50ms latency – Approx. 30h battery time.
