ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - March 9, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - March 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

• Espionage Probe Finds Communications Device on Chinese Cranes at U.S. Ports
• Gangs Shut Airport and Port in Haiti as New Political Alliances Emerge
• North Korea Responds to South Korea and U.S. Joint Exercises Through Internal Military Exercises

Espionage Probe Finds Communications Device on Chinese Cranes at U.S. Ports

A congressional investigation of U.S. ports found communication technology in some Chinese-made cranes, the presence of which could not be traced in contracts signed between the United States and China. Reportedly, the discovered communication equipment has the potential to “allow the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] to not only undercut trade competitors through espionage, but disrupt supply chains and the movement of cargo.” The United States will reportedly move toward improving its infrastructure security with better assessments, in response to this incident.

Gangs Shut Airport and Port in Haiti as New Political Alliances Emerge

On March 8, Caribbean Port Services closed the primary trading port in the capital, Port-au-Prince, after it was seized by gangs. Gangs have also been battling for control of the main airport, Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP). Gangs escalated their attacks in late February after Prime Minister Ariel Henry ventured abroad to secure alliances for an international police intervention in Haiti to repel gang control of the territory and allow the government to regain enough power to hold elections. Henry has been unable to return to the country where both the United States and gang leaders are calling on him to resign. Henry is unelected, but his term in office expired in early February 2024. Haiti has been unable to hold elections since 2016 due to the violence, and most politicians have seen their terms expire. With Henry unlikely to continue ruling Haiti, new political alliances are forming to take over. One leading political alliance includes former rebel leader Guy Philippe and ex-presidential candidate and senator Moïse Jean Charles. Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, who has led the biggest gang onslaught in Port-au-Prince, has also positioned himself to take over Haiti. If the international police mission never arrives, this prospect looks highly likely.

North Korea Responds to South Korea and U.S. Joint Exercises Through Internal Military Exercises

On March 7, South Korea and the United States started joint military exercises called “Freedom Shield.” North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un responded by inspecting military training for the second day in a row. Historically, North Korean leaders protest against joint military exercises viewing them as direct threats towards North Korea. In response, Kim Jong Un called his own military training.