ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 19, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 19, 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

• Scholz and Zelensky Signed an Agreement to Support Ukraine
• U.S. Conducts Defensive Strikes in Yemen, Countering Houthi Threat
• Two Police Officers and Firefighter Fatally Shot After Call in Minneapolis Suburbs

Scholz and Zelensky Signed an Agreement to Support Ukraine

On February 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed bilateral security agreements with both France and Germany. The French agreement will provide Ukraine with EUR 3 billion (USD 3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, and further financial commitments spanning ten years. France also pledged to boost cooperation with Ukraine in the "area of artillery," but did not provide further details. Meanwhile, the German agreement provided immediate military assistance to Ukraine worth EUR 1.1 billion. Ukraine has increasingly sought smaller bilateral security pacts over the past six months, as large aid packages from the EU and United States have faced long delays.

U.S. Conducts Defensive Strikes in Yemen, Countering Houthi Threat

The United States carried out five defensive strikes in Houthi-controlled zones in Yemen. The strikes, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated, targeted three anti-ship cruise missiles, an unmanned underwater vessel, and an unmanned surface vessel. Notably, it marked the first use of an unmanned underwater vehicle by the Houthi since the attacks commenced on October 23. CENTCOM emphasized the perceived imminent threat these weapons posed to the U.S. Navy and merchant ships in the region.

Two Police Officers and Firefighter Fatally Shot After Call in Minneapolis Suburbs

Two Burnsville police officers and a firefighter were shot dead while responding to a call for help from a family in a suburb. The firefighter, also a paramedic, was shot dead while providing medical aid to one of the wounded. Officials confirmed that a third officer was wounded while a suspect was also killed in the shooting.