ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 11, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 11, 2024

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

• Iran Develops Shahed-107 Drone for Russia
• 40 Terror Attacks and Ten Dead in First Day of State of Emergency in Ecuador
• China Launches Satellite and New Trade Measures Against Taiwan Ahead of Election

Iran Develops Shahed-107 Drone for Russia

Sky News reported Iran has developed a new Shahed-107 attack drone for Russia. The Shahed-107 can be launched from a vehicle and has a range of 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). The new model may also be fitted with live-streaming transmitter technology that could help Russian forces identify high-value battlefield targets, British and American multiple-launch rocket systems used by Ukrainian forces. Iran has previously supplied Russia with numerous shipments of Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones. In 2023, Russia also quickly established domestic production of these two models. The new Shahed-107 underscores the heightened military cooperation between the two countries, and shows Iran is capable of innovating new systems upon request from Russia.

40 Terror Attacks and Ten Dead in First Day of State of Emergency in Ecuador

Since Ecuador announced a nationwide state of emergency and curfew on January 9, 2024, there have been at least 40 terror attacks, leaving 10 dead across the country. The attacks have included kidnapping police officers, car bombs, and a hostage situation at a television network that was running live on air. Since the pandemic, crime has escalated in Ecuador, normally one of the region's safest countries. The violence is instigated by powerful drug cartels engaged in turf wars and battles with security forces. The attacks are likely in response to the state of emergency, which categorizes drug trafficking gangs as terrorist groups and military targets. The order was issued after Ecuador's biggest gang leader, known as El Fito, escaped prison during orchestrated riots on January 8.

China Launches Satellite and New Trade Measures Against Taiwan Ahead of Election

China launched a satellite named Einstein Probe, which triggered an air raid alert in Taiwan. The mobile phone alert was sent as the satellite flew over the southern airspace of Taiwan, and the Taiwanese public was warned of a “missile flyover." It is the first time that Taiwan issued an islandwide alert, and Chinese state media confirmed the launch as that of an astronomical satellite. Taiwan's Defense Ministry later apologized for categorizing the satellite launch as a missile launch but reiterated that the launch demonstrated China's threat to Taiwan's sovereignty. China also threatened new trade measures against Taiwan. China’s commerce ministry said it was looking into reimposing tariffs on Taiwanese products, including agriculture and fishery machinery, auto parts, and textiles. The measures would make Taiwanese products more expensive and thus less desirable in the Chinese market. As Taiwan’s presidential election approaches, China has issued near-daily military exercises with fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones into Taiwan's territory while starting more trade probes on Taiwan’s exports. China's aim is to secure a victory for opposition parties that call for closer relations with China.