ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 26, 2023

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 26, 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

• Shipping Giant Maersk Prepares to Resume Operations in Red Sea
• Iranian Senior General Killed in an Alleged Israeli Strike
• Ukrainian Defense Minister Advocates for Conscription from Abroad

Shipping Giant Maersk Prepares to Resume Operations in Red Sea

Denmark-based shipping and logistics company Maersk is preparing to resume shipping operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden after pausing due to attacks against its ships. This decision comes after the announcement of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), a U.S.-led naval coalition to protect maritime commerce in the Red Sea from Iran-backed Yemeni militants. The recommencement of operations will allow Maersk vessels to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb strait and use the Suez Canal for global commerce routes between Asia and Europe.

Iranian Senior General Killed in an Alleged Israeli Strike

Iranian state media reports that an Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighborhood was responsible for the death of Razi Moussavi, a senior general with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC has also released a statement saying Moussavi was killed in a missile attack. Moussavi was regarded as "one of the most experienced advisors" of the foreign arm of the IRGC or Quds Force. His death has caused a stir amongst Iranian militant groups and officials, including the Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, who expressed his condolences and warned Israel of the consequences. Israel is yet to comment on this incident.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Advocates for Conscription from Abroad

On December 21, 2023, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told several media outlets that the military plans to mobilize Ukrainians living abroad in 2024. Umerov said Ukrainian men living in other countries would receive an "invitation" to join the fight, but those who did not accept would face sanctions. Later the Ministry of Defense press service walked back Umerov's comments, stating "there is no discussion of conscription from abroad on the agenda." The discrepancy from these two accounts likely indicates conscription from abroad is an ongoing debate among senior Ukrainian officials and the military, but no official decision has been made.