ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 17, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 17, 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

• Belarus to Formulate First Defense Doctrine that Provides for the Use of Nuclear Weapons
• Tensions in Middle East Flare up as Iran Strikes Pakistani Territory Killing Two Children
• US Strikes Houthis a Third Time as Red Sea Shipping Attacks Continue

Belarus to Formulate First Defense Doctrine that Provides for the Use of Nuclear Weapons

Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced Belarus will institute a new military doctrine that for the first time will provide for the use of nuclear weapons. Belarus does not maintain a nuclear weapons program of its own; however, Russia recently transferred a number of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. It remains unclear how the new doctrine will apply to these Russian weapons.

Tensions in Middle East Flare up as Iran Strikes Pakistani Territory Killing Two Children

An Iranian strike targeting Pakistani territory killed two children and injured three girls, soon after another strike killed several people in Kurdistan. The Pakistani government released a statement condemning “the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran and the strike inside Pakistani territory.” Iran says the motivation fuelling recent attacks in Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria has been to respond to the terrorist attacks within its borders.

U.S. Strikes Houthis a Third Time as Red Sea Shipping Attacks Continue

The United States conducted a third round of airstrikes on Houthi positions as the group continued attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea. American fighter jets reportedly destroyed four anti-ship ballistic missiles that the Houthis were preparing to launch, only hours after a Malta-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier reported being struck by a missile off the coast of Yemen. At least one other cargo ship has been attacked since the United States conducted its first strikes against the Houthis on January 11. None of the Houthis’ attacks have thus far caused major injuries to shipping crews. The group, which controls most of western Yemen, has threatened to begin targeting American and British ships in response to the strikes.