ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - March 19, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - March 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

• U.S. and Japan Urge Nations Not to Deploy Nuclear Weapons in Orbit
• Drone Strike Hits Transnistria Military Base
• Israeli Troops Clash with Hamas Militants at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

U.S. and Japan Urge Nations Not to Deploy Nuclear Weapons in Orbit

The United States and Japan have come to a consensus that nations need to sign a treaty which will bar them from deploying nuclear weapons in space. In the U.N. Security Council resolution, the United States and Japan also urged nations not to develop these weapons. This development comes after concerns that Russia may be developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon, which could lead to disruptions in satellite-reliant services like military communications. Russia has denied any such activities. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty that Russia is a part of prohibits countries from deploying nuclear weapons to Earth’s orbit; however, the treaty does not prohibit any country from developing these weapons.

Drone Strike Hits Transnistria Military Base

On March 17, separatist officials in Transnistria announced a drone strike hit a helicopter on a Transnistrian military base. Transnistria officials claimed Ukrainian forces were likely responsible for the attack. Both Moldova and Ukraine have denied this claim, saying Transnistria's claim was likely part of a Russian disinformation campaign designed to destabilize Moldova.

Israeli Troops Clash with Hamas Militants at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City

Israeli troops conducted a raid to take over Gaza City’s al-Shifa hospital based on intelligence implying that senior Hamas militants have been using the strategically located medical complex to command attacks. Following the raid, the troops engaged in fierce clashes with Hamas militants. Witnesses reported multiple airstrikes targeting the hospital complex. Israeli military officials have said that 20 Hamas militants were killed, including the head of the operations directorate of Hamas’s internal security. The Israeli forces have also detained at least 80 individuals.