ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 12, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 12, 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

• Several Houthi Militia Linked Targets in Yemen Targeted in U.S. Missile Strikes
• ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - Cyber, Military, and Economic Coercion Targeting Taiwan Elections
• Colombia and Peru militarize border to avoid spillover in narco violence from Ecuador

Several Houthi Militia Linked Targets in Yemen Targeted in U.S. Missile Strikes

On Thursday, the United States along with five of its allies conducted a series of military strikes against more than twelve Iran-backed Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen. The air and naval strikes were in response to more than two dozen Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea since November. The Houthis had been warned by the Biden administration and other international allies of severe consequences if they refused to stop the attacks.

ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - Cyber, Military, and Economic Coercion Targeting Taiwan Elections

Taiwan holds general elections to determine the composition of its 113-seat national legislature (Yuan) and elect a president on January 13, 2024. Opposition parties will likely win the most votes, but the failure of the two main opposition parties to unify around a joint presidential ticket means the incumbent party could win the presidency. Ahead of the election, China has been escalating its military, economic, and cyber coercion in support of opposition candidates. Military maneuvers, in particular, will increase in the immediate aftermath of the election if the ruling party wins. Regardless of the election results, China is likely to continue its activities, which are designed to push Taiwan away from its military and economic alliances with the United States and closer to mainland China.

Colombia and Peru Militarize Border to Avoid Spillover in Narco Violence from Ecuador

Both Peru and Colombia have begun militarizing their borders with Ecuador, which declared a 60-day state of emergency over drug trafficking-related violence. Peru has issued a state of emergency in seven states along the border, including an increased security force presence and movement restrictions. Colombia has also increased its security forces presence with military helicopters. Ecuador is traditionally a transit country for drugs produced in Colombia and Peru. However, the level of violence in Ecuador has escalated since the pandemic, while it has lessened in places like Colombia. Ecuador has also announced the expulsion of 1,500 drug traffickers from its prison, many of whom come from Colombia. Since the state of emergency was issued in Ecuador, there have been fierce clashes between security forces and drug traffickers, as well as bouts of vandalism and looting. Ecuador's structural crackdown is likely to continue as the majority of the population supports the measures. This could prompt a new wave of retaliatory violence from gang members who have now been classified as terrorists. Expect Ecuador to extend the emergency order, which could harm business confidence in the important energy and mining country.