Cargo Ship Raided by Greece Was Going to Sudanese Capital

Greek officials detained a ship carrying several hundred tons of explosives bound for Sudan this weekend. The ship, with a crew of five Ukrainians and two Azerbaijanis, went undetected by marine officials as well as US anti-terrorism intelligence for over six weeks - departing from Albania, collecting its cargo in Tunisia, and stopping in Istanbul - before Greece detained it in response to a tip from unspecified foreign intelligence sources. Though officials are unable to say whether the shipment was part of a terrorist plot, it has aroused much suspicion; not only is Sudan a known base and suspected sponsor of terrorist groups, but the Sudanese company named as the recipient of the cargo does not exist. This incident occurs in the midst of heightened concern following recent terrorist bombings in Saudi Arabia and Morocco. It also confirms fears of major loopholes in the regulation of global shipping. – YaleGlobal