ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - July 29, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - July 29, 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

• Central Bank of the Russian Federation Raises Interest Rates to 18 Percent
• Missiles Launched at Iraqi Airbase Housing U.S. Troops
• Deadly Strike in Israel Pinned on Hezbollah

Central Bank of the Russian Federation Raises Interest Rates to 18 Percent

The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has raised interest rates from 16 percent to 18 percent. The Bank of Russia explained its decision was an attempt to quell inflation, which stands around 6.5-7.0 percent. Russia has struggled to contain high inflation amid its war in Ukraine.

Missiles Launched at Iraqi Airbase Housing U.S. Troops

No casualties have been reported after four missiles were fired at the Ain al-Asad airbase in central Iraq, where U.S. troops are based. Sources reported that two missiles landed inside the base perimeter and two outside. No actors have yet claimed responsibility. It is the second such attack on the base in recent weeks. The attack came as Baghdad is in discussion with the United States to draw down the latter’s military involvement in Iraq. Recent talks have yielded no major announcements, but Iraqi authorities are said to be seeking the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops by this September, with a small contingent left behind in an advisory capacity. Following the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, American troops departed in 2011 only to return in 2014 to help fight the Islamic State.

Deadly Strike in Israel Pinned on Hezbollah

On Saturday, a deadly strike targeting Isareli-occupied Golan Heights claimed the lives of 12 and left 44 others injured. Israeli authorities have attributed the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to the attack and have vowed retaliation for the same. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has firmly denied the allegations. The attack has added to the rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon.