The threat posed by ISIS to security of the oil and gas industry in Central Asia
London, UK (PRWEB UK) 12 November 2014 -- The growing sphere of influence of the Islamic State (IS) has led to an increase in extremist rhetoric and activities in many regions around the world, including Central Asia. The notable increase in terrorist activities, surge in recruitment for terrorist organisations, and rise in illicit oil trafficking to fund these organisations have been largely accredited to the presence of IS agents and sympathisers in Central Asia.
In recent years there has been a growing trend of groups fighting for political or religious rights deploying attacks on oil and gas infrastructure as a means of drawing attention to their cause, and Central Asia is no exception. The 2012 In Amenas attack in Algeria highlighted to the global oil industry just how vulnerable oil and gas facilities can be to terrorist attacks.
Arguably, the biggest problems for States with citizens fighting in Syria or Afghanistan, such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, are what will happen when these radicalised militants return home. The geographical closeness of Afghanistan and planned departure of the international military force from the country poses an urgent need to review security arrangements in Central Asia to ensure public safety and in turn the political and economic stability of the region. Adjustments to terrorism security planning should be made not only by local Governments but also by national and international oil and gas companies due to their presence and influence in the region.
Terrorism threat prevention for the oil and gas industry in Central Asia will be addressed in depth at the 2nd CACOGS 2015 Forum organised by IRN on 3rd-4th March 2015 in Almaty, where security managers will share their expertise on this subject through topical presentations.
Covering all issues that raise security concerns, the Forum will facilitate discussions on oil theft, maritime security in the Caspian Sea, cyber-attacks, pipeline security, labour relations, the growing threat of terrorism and others key areas. Implications and solutions, future threats and prevention will form the focus of this senior level meeting.
More information can be found on the website http://www.caoilgassecurity.com.
Xenia Sapanidi, International Research Networks Ltd., http://www.irn-international.com, +44 2071111615, [email protected]
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