ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 30, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 30, 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

• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Leave ECOWAS with Terrorism and Russian Influence Likely to Spread
• Islamic State gunman Kills One in Istanbul, Turkey
• U.S. Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Targeted Twice in “Swatting” Attempts

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Leave ECOWAS with Terrorism and Russian Influence Likely to Spread

On January 28, the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger jointly announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three founding members accused ECOWAS of instituting inhumane sanctions and being under the influence of foreigners aimed at reversing recent coups. ECOWAS has imposed economic and movement restrictions on all three states after coups occurred in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina in 2021 and 2022, and Niger in 2023. The economic sanctions have hardened the resolve of the coup leaders, who have grown closer to Russia since. Last week, Russia signed an agreement with Burkina Faso to send mercenaries to protect the president, and Russian troops on the ground in Mali are designed to replace departing western forces.

Islamic State Gunman Kills One in Istanbul, Turkey

On January 28, gunmen belonging to the Islamic State (IS) killed one person at a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul’s Buyukdere neighborhood. In a statement, IS claimed credit for the shooting and stated it was in response to a call by the group’s leader to target Jews and Christians. Following the attack, authorities raided 30 locations and detained 47 people, including two foreign nationals said to be the gunmen. Turkish police periodically conduct raids on suspected IS cells including one earlier this month in which 25 possible IS members were arrested.

U.S. Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Targeted Twice in “Swatting” Attempts

Former Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley experienced a second "swatting" incident on New Year's Day, just days after the first. The hoax call falsely claimed Haley's daughter had been shot. This follows a previous swatting attempt on December 30. Swatting incidents have targeted various politicians and high-profile government employees recently, including Joe Biden and US District Judge Tanya Chutkan.