ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 27, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 27, 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

• North Korea Tests Multiple New Strategic Missiles as Anti-South Korea Campaign Continues
• Russian influence grows as exchanges held between countries
• Taiwan Begins Extended One-Year Conscription in Response to China Threat

North Korea Tests Multiple New Strategic Missiles as Anti-South Korea Campaign Continues

On January 25, 2024, North Korea tested new strategic missiles, firing several into the Yellow Sea. On January 19, North Korea tested underwater-capable nuclear weapons systems and, before that, launched an unprecedented number of artillery shells into the Yellow Sea. South Korea is increasing its surveillance, monitoring, and reconnaissance capabilities in response. South Korea is reportedly producing drones with the ability to fly at high altitudes and capture high-resolution images.

Russian influence grows as exchanges held between countries

Russia continues to work on strengthening its influence in the Sahel with two engagements on January 24, 2024. In Burkina Faso, a contingent of 100 military specialists arrived in Ouagadougou from Russia, with another 200 expected to create a total contingent of 300. These soldiers, formerly part of the Wagner Group (which has been subsumed into the Russian Armed Forces), are there to assist the government of President Ibrahim Traoré in combating terrorism. Regarding Chad, President Mahamat Idriss Déby visited Moscow for a meeting with President Putin, in which they discussed friendly relations between the two countries. Putin called Chad a "brother country" and promised to do as much as possible to assist in stabilizing the security situation there as well.

Taiwan Begins Extended One-Year Conscription in Response to China Threat

Taiwan saw its first batch of recruits beginning their one-year compulsory military service amid rising Chinese military threats, as President Tsai Ing-wen announced in 2022. This move aims to enhance combat readiness, improve reserve quality, and fortify the overall combat effectiveness of national defense. Over the last four years, China has increased its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan to assert its sovereignty claims, including nearly daily Chinese Air Force missions near the island.