ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 20, 2023

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 20, 2023

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• United States Announces Task Force to Protect Against Houthi Attacks
• Kenya-European Union Trade Agreement that Combats Chinese Influence
• European Union To Convene Special Summit for Ukraine Aid

United States Announces Task Force to Protect Against Houthi Attacks

On December 19, 2023, U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin announced the formation of a 10-nation coalition to safeguard international shipping in the Red Sea against Houthi attacks. The initiative, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, will include participation from the US, UK, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Bahrain, Canada, and Seychelles. Few details are forthcoming but internal discussions have reportedly centered on the need for increased patrols in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, where Yemeni Houthi rebels have stepped up attacks on cargo vessels in recent weeks. Naval forces belonging to Prosperity Guardian will make greater efforts to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones and will be positioned to cover the greatest area possible but are unlikely to act as direct escorts for cargo vessels given the volume of traffic that passes through the strait. The United States has not ruled out direct strikes on the Houthis but will likely do so only as an option of last resort to avoid escalation.

Kenya-European Union Trade Agreement that Combats Chinese Influence

On December 19, 2023, European Union and Kenyan trade negotiators finalized the terms of a free trade agreement between the two sides. This is the largest trade deal between the EU and a developing market ever and will likely increase Kenya's agricultural trade with the EU by billions of euros annually. Trade between the two parties has increased by 25 percent in five years to around EUR 33 billion annually. The deal will likely see an increase in Kenyan fruits, vegetables, and tea available to the EU. Over time, EU financial and technology services will likely grow in Kenya.

European Union To Convene Special Summit for Ukraine Aid

On February 1, 2024, the European Union will host a special summit to discuss its EUR 50 billion aid package to Ukraine. Negotiations over the package stalled during last week's EU summit after Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán vowed to block the aid. EU officials plan to include the package in a revised EU budget, which would require the unanimous approval of all member states. However, European officials are reportedly considering using Article 7 of the 2007 Treaty of the European Union to strip Hungary of its voting rights.