ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 8, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 8, 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

• Ukraine Arrests Two Officials on Suspicion of Conspiring to Assassinate Zelensky, Other Officials
• Israeli military intensifies operations in Rafah
• Monsoon Rains Continue to Affect East Africa

Ukraine Arrests Two Officials on Suspicion of Conspiring to Assassinate Zelensky, Other Officials

On May 7, two colonels from Ukraine’s Administration of State Guard were arrested on suspicion of conspiring with Russian agents to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky, Chief of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, and Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Vasyl Malyuk. Agents of Russia's Federal Security reportedly recruited the colonels to relay information about the three men's whereabouts and ultimately carry out the assassinations. While the plot ultimately failed, the incident shows Russian intelligence had the ability to recruit members of Zelensky's personal security detail.

Israeli military intensifies operations in Rafah

On May 7, 2024, after a day of intense air and artillery strikes, Israeli military forces seized the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The move came shortly after Hamas announced that the group accepted a ceasefire proposal. However, Israeli security sources claimed that the militant organization agreed upon a deal that “doesn't actually exist” as part of a last-ditch effort to prevent an assault on Rafah. Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden continued to warn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against conducting a major offensive in the city, but Netanyahu and his war cabinet remain committed to the operation.

Monsoon Rains Continue to Affect East Africa

Monsoon rains have caused widespread damage and displacement among East Africa countries as of May 6, 2024, including in Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi. Tanzanian officials closed a major southern highway connecting to Dar es Salaam until further notice while four major bridges were significantly damaged due to flash floods. The deluge came after Cyclone Hidaya made landfall on May 4 on Mafia Island. The cyclone prompted heavy rainfall but lost its strength following impact. Approximately 155 people were killed in Tanzania and at least 220 more have died in Kenya due to weather-related incidents since the onset of the rainy season in early April 2024. However, the rains have continued to submerge homes, displace residents, and have damaged critical infrastructure across East Africa.