ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 24, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 24, 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

• Separatist Region of Moldova Plans to Boost Military Readiness
• Demonstrations by Farmers in France Expand
• Belarus Launches Mass Raids on Opposition

Separatist Region of Moldova Plans to Boost Military Readiness

On January 22, the leader of Moldova's pro-Russian separatist Transnistria region, Vadim Krasnoselsky, ordered his defense ministry to boost military preparedness and ensure “battle readiness”. The orders come after Moldova imposed new taxes on Transnistrian imports and exports on January 1. Transnistrian officials are also planning a rally to protest these taxes on January 24. Transnistria's military developments threaten to increase tensions between the pro-Russian separatist region and the pro-European Union government of Moldova. Increased tensions would play into Russia's years-long efforts to destabilize Moldova.

Demonstrations by Farmers in France Expand

On January 23, French farmers expanded their protests in the south of the country, blocking the A7, A16 and A62 motorways. Organizers accuse the government of passing environmental laws and consumer price reduction measures threatening their livelihood. The demonstrations began on January 18 and will probably continue in the coming weeks. Currently, farmers have blocked several major roads leading to the cities of Toulouse, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Expect significant transportation delays if traveling by motor vehicle in the south of France. In addition, a protesting farmer was killed on January 23 after a car crashed into a roadblock near the city of Palmiers in the Ariège region. According to a preliminary investigation, this action was not deliberate but has raised tensions between authorities and demonstrators.

Belarus Launches Mass Raids on Opposition

On January 23, Belarusian police launched mass raids on opposition leaders and their families across the country. As a result of the operations, authorities detained 24 people, many of whom were recently freed political prisoners. BYSOL, a non-profit that offers support services to victims of political oppression in Belarus, was a main target of the raids. These raids reflect a new wave of repression of opposition voices in Belarus.