New elite unit to tackle terrorists at sea

Commandos will protect ships off the British coast and also carry out raids on enemy vessels across the globe, like reported by dailymail.co.uk

A new elite team of Royal Marines will defend Britain’s coast from terrorist attacks.

The Maritime Operations Commando Unit is being set up to tackle ISIS jihadis entering the country via boat.

It will be comprised of 450 expertly trained troops from the 42 Commando Royal Marines in Plymouth, and liaison officers from the SAS and the Special Boat Service.

The unit will carry out raids on enemy vessels and will execute their orders at short notice, reports the Mirror.

The team has been assembled as the Government becomes increasingly concerned about the dangers of terrorist groups infiltrating the nation’s ports and smuggling armed fighters inland.

News of the new unit was revealed in a leaked document by Major General Rob Magowan, of the Royal Marines.

He said that focus must turn from ‘land-centric campaigns in the Middle East’ to fighting on future battlegrounds that are likely to be ‘complex’.

Major Magowan said: ‘It [the unit] will focus on maritime interdiction and boarding operations, protection teams for Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ships deployed globally.

‘It will also provide our core contribution to the UK in response to a terrorist event.’