ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - July 13, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - July 13, 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. Consulate Issues Kidnapping Alert in Reynosa
• China Sends Most Warplanes Ever Across Key Boundary with Taiwan
• Oil Tanker Held by Iran for a Year Departs for International Waters

U.S. Consulate Issues Kidnapping Alert in Reynosa

The U.S. Consulate in the northern city of Matamoros issued a security alert to the heightened risk of kidnappings in the northern city of Reynosa. Reynosa is a border town and major transit point to McAllen, Texas. Crime is common in the city, but there has been an increase in nighttime kidnappings, especially along bus routes, by supposed members of the Gulf Clan cartel. The kidnappings are reportedly targeting those with links to the United States. There are several cities like Reynosa, which is large and close to the U.S. border, including Ciudad Juarez, Matamoros, and Tijuana, where drug cartels control large swaths of the economy. Similar risks are likely in those cities as well.

China Sends Most Warplanes Ever Across Key Boundary with Taiwan

China sent approximately 56 warplanes across the Taiwan Strait, the most ever. The warplanes crossed the so-called median line, and Taiwanese aircraft, naval vessels, and missile systems were deployed to respond to the flights by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The latest escalation adds to the pressure China has rolled out since Lai Qing-te, whom China sees as a separatist, won the presidential election in January. China has stepped up a series of coercive measures, including major military drills after the presidential inauguration in May, more routine coast guard patrolling around the Taiwan Straits, targeting Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, and expanding a law targeting pro-independence separatists. The latest incursions were likely in response to reports that President Lai Qing-te was planning a visit to the U.S. The incursions do not mean an invasion of Taiwan is imminent but rather serve as a remainder of China's capabilities.

Oil Tanker Held by Iran for a Year Departs for International Waters

Sources reported that a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker held by Iran for over a year began heading towards international waters, according to tracking data. Iran detained the Advantage Sweet and its crew in April 2023 after claiming it struck another ship, though no other sources confirmed the collision. Iran has not yet commented on the vessel’s departure and it is unclear why the tanker would be released. Tracking data shows it is now heading toward the port of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates.