ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 14, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 14, 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

• Election Boycotted by Opposition Gives Sheikh Hasina Her Fourth Consecutive Bangladeshi PM Term
• Hezbollah Confirms Death of Commander in Lebanon
• 40 Terror Attacks and Ten Dead in First Day of State of Emergency in Ecuador

Election Boycotted by Opposition Gives Sheikh Hasina Her Fourth Consecutive Bangladeshi PM Term

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has won a fourth consecutive term, making her the world's longest-serving female head of government. This election was boycotted by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The opposition called for Hasina's resignation and the appointment of a neutral caretaker government to oversee the election. Hasina's victory has sparked concerns from human rights organizations, suggesting a move towards a one-party system. Critics cite escalating political violence and voter intimidation, highlighting the challenges to a free and fair democratic process in the country.

Hezbollah Confirms Death of Commander in Lebanon

On January 8, 2024, Hezbollah confirmed the death of Commander Wissam Tawil in an Israeli strike on a vehicle in the southern Lebanese village of Khirbet Selm. Tawil represents the most senior Hezbollah figure killed since the beginning of clashes between the group and Israeli forces in October 2023. At the time of writing, it remains unclear if the strike was targeted or the result of typical cross-border fire. Regardless, as a result of this incident, the intensity of fighting in the Lebanese-Israeli border area should be expected to increase in the near-term.

Forty 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. Expect continued attacks targeting security forces. This could include small arms attacks, car bombs, kidnappings, and shootings in public places. The violence seen in Ecuador is also occurring across the region, and normally safe countries like Chile and Peru are also seeing significant increases in drug-related crime. Expect similar security responses elsewhere across the region. Peru has sent police to its border with Ecuador to prevent violence from spreading.