ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 9, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 9, 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

• Finland Extends Russian Border Closures
• Ukraine Creates New Military Branch Dedicated to Drone Operations
• Dozens Injured in Clash over Madrasa Demolition in Haldwani, India

Finland Extends Russian Border Closures

Finland will extend its border closures with Russia until at least April 14. Finland began closing crossings on the border with Russia in November 2023 after Russia began using refugees to create an artificial migrant crisis on the Finnish border.

Ukraine Creates New Military Branch Dedicated to Drone Operations

On February 7, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree establishing a new branch within the Ukrainian Armed Forces dedicated to the use of drones. Soon after Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukraine worked to significantly expand drone innovation and production. As a result of these efforts, Ukraine now uses drones to conduct daily strikes against Russian targets in occupied Ukraine and on Russian soil. This new branch within the Ukrainian military signals Ukraine is likely to continue its reliance on drones as a key component of its military operations. The branch will likely expand drone innovation and procurement programs, which will create myriad opportunities for foreign investment in Ukraine's drone program.

Dozens Injured in Clash over Madrasa Demolition in Haldwani, India

On February 8, 2024, clashes in the Indian city of Haldwani, Uttarakhand injured dozens including over 50 police officers when activists attempted to disrupt the demolition of a madrasa, or Islamic school, allegedly constructed on government land. Police deployed tear gas to disperse protestors, who threw stones and set fire to vehicles. Authorities later imposed a curfew and shoot-on-sight order after regaining control. Uttarakhand passed this week a Universal Civil Code (UCC) law which Muslim groups claim infringes on their religious practices. Hindu-Muslim tensions will likely remain high in the near-term and seemingly small religious disputes may ignite disproportionate unrest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to implement more UCC laws in other states. If this occurs, tensions will likely rise further.