National Security Advisory System (NSAS)

The need of a National Security Advisory System (NSAS) is to provide comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of gang violence and terrorist acts to Government and local authorities and to the Maldivian people. Such a system would provide warnings in the form of a set of graduated “Threat Conditions” that would increase as the risk of the threat increases. At each Threat Condition, Government offices and departments would implement a corresponding set of “Protective Measures” to further reduce vulnerability or increase response capability during a period of heightened alert.

This system is intended to create a common vocabulary, context, and structure for an ongoing national discussion about the nature of the threats that confront the national security and the appropriate measures that should be taken in response. It seeks to inform and facilitate decisions appropriate to different levels of government and to private citizens at home and at work.

An alert system can be easily established in the Maldives — each tailored and unique to different sectors of our society: tourism, fisheries, defence, agriculture, and telecommunication, for example. These alert systems fill vital and specific requirements for a variety of situations in both the commercial and government sectors. The National Security Advisory System will provide a national framework for these systems, allowing government officials and citizens to communicate the nature and degree of gang and terrorist threats. This advisory system characterizes appropriate levels of vigilance, preparedness and readiness in a series of graduated Threat Conditions. The Protective Measures that correspond to each Threat Condition will help the government and citizens decide what action they take to help counter and respond to gang violence and terrorist activity. Based on the threat level, Government offices and departments will implement appropriate Protective Measures, and localities will be encouraged to adopt compatible systems.

Factors for assignment of Threat Conditions. The National Security Advisory System will provide a framework for the Attorney General, in consultation with the Minister of Defence and National Security, to assign Threat Conditions, which can apply nationally, regionally, by sector or to a potential target. Cabinet Ministers and other members of the National Security Council will be consulted as appropriate. A variety of factors may be used to assess the threat. Among these:

  • Is the threat credible?
  • Is the threat corroborated?
  • Is the threat specific and/or imminent?
  • How grave is the threat?

Unified system for public announcements. Public announcements of threat advisories and alerts help deter gang violence and terrorist activity, notify law enforcement authorities and government officials of threats, inform the public about government preparations, and provide them with the information necessary to respond to the threat. The Attorney General will develop a system for conveying relevant information to Government officials and the private sector expeditiously. Heightened Threat Conditions can be declared for the entire nation, or for a specific atoll, or island. Changes in assigned Threat Conditions will be made when necessary.

A tool to combat gang violence and terrorism. Threat Conditions characterize the risk of public disturbances and terrorist attacks. Protective Measures are the steps that will be taken by government and the private sector to reduce vulnerabilities. The NSAS establishes five Threat Conditions with associated suggested Protective Measures:

Low Condition
Green

Low risk of gang violence and terrorist attacks. The following Protective Measures may be applied:

No information available about a specific threat. It can also mean “situation stable”.
Refining and exercising preplanned Protective Measures.
Ensuring personnel receive training on NSAS, or department-specific Protective Measures; and
Regularly assessing facilities for vulnerabilities and taking measures to reduce them.

Guarded Condition
Blue

There has been an assessment made that there is the possibility of an attack, but no defined target. It can also mean “possible civil unrest”, meaning safety can’t be guaranteed.

General risk of gang violence and terrorist attack. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:

Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and
Providing the public with necessary information.

Elevated Condition
Yellow

There is an increased likelihood of an attack, but no defined target. It can also mean “potential terrorist threat”.

Significant risk of gang violence and terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:

Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
Coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions;
Assessing further refinement of Protective Measures within the context of the current threat information; and
Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

High Condition
Orange

There has been specific information received and there is a substantial threat to government targets. It can also mean “High alert”, which could be a transition to war.

High risk of gang violence and terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:

Coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces and the Maldives Police Service;
Taking additional precaution at public events;
Preparing to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed workforce; and Restricting access to essential personnel only.

Severe Condition
Red

Information has been received about an attack on a specific target. It can also mean “red alert”, meaning Maldives is at war.

Severe risk of gang violence and terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:

Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning specially trained teams; Monitoring, redirecting or constraining all private transportation systems;
Closing public and government facilities; and
Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs.

About this entry

You’re currently reading “National Security Advisory System (NSAS),” an entry on The Unofficial Maldives National Defence Force Blog

Published:
4.29.08 / 2am
Category:
National Security
Tags: