New commando force will raid ISIS at sea to safeguard ships around the UK coast
Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
A new counter-terror unit of elite troops will tackle the terrorist threat to ships on the UK coast.
The Maritime Operations Commando will also be sent on global raids against enemy ships or terrorist vessels.
The amphibious force will be on short notice for emergency missions.
Defence sources said the 450-strong MOC is being set up amid increasing fears jihadists will attack vessels.
Ports are also under threat, as jihadists may try to smuggle armed terrorists into the UK. And Somali pirates are a risk, with at least six attacks on ships off the Horn of Africa in the past month.
Troops for the new unit will be formed from the Royal Marines ’ 42 Commando battalion in Plymouth.
News of the elite unit emerged in a leaked memo from Major General Rob Magowan, of the Royal Marines.
He said a reduction in the number of troops being sent to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq coincided with the need to deal with emerging terror threats.
He 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.
“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.
(Photo: Guy Channing)
"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.”
Based in the West Country, the MOC will have SAS and Special Boat Service liaison officers attached to it.
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.”