Terror attack defence: Elite Commando unit formed to defend seas from ISIS
MOD • GETTY The Government are worried that the nature of terror attacks has changed
The Maritime Operations Commando (MOC) team is said to be tasked with emergency “raiding and intelligence” gathering amid fears jihadists will launch sea based attacks and smuggle armed suspects into the UK.
The revelation was in a leaked document by Major General Rob Magowan, of the Royal Marines.
He reportedly wrote: “We are no longer heavily committed to land-centric campaigns in the Middle East and Asia. Tomorrow’s operating environment is likely to be complex.
“This requires defence to continue to adapt its structures. I have championed the re-roling of 42 Commando as the Maritime Operations Commando.
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It will focus on maritime interdiction [interception] and boarding operations Major General Rob Magowan
“It will focus on maritime interdiction [interception] and boarding operations, ship’s force protection teams for Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships deployed globally."
It will reportedly be comprised of at least 200 expertly trained troops from the 42 Commando Royal Marines in Plymouth, and liaison officers from the SAS and the Special Boat Service.
The Major General added: "It will also provide our core contribution to UK domestic operations in response to a terrorist event.
"These groups, consisting of up to 200 Commandos, will be tasked with small-scale operations, such as raiding and intelligence gathering."
GETTY The commando unit will be charged with protecting the coastline
Based in the West Country, the MOC will have SAS and Special Boat Service liaison officers attached to it, reports the Mirror.
A senior source said: "In a changing environment of terrorist threats this gives us a very important challenge for the future, which is why this new force is necessary."
GETTY The leaked document reveals a change in potential defence strategy