ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - July 31, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - July 31, 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

• Israel Takes Down High-Profile Figures from Hamas and Hezbollah
• Violence Erupts in Southport Following Fatal Stabbing at Taylor Swift-Themed Event
• IMF Grants USD 3 Billion Loan to Ethiopia

Israel Takes Down High-Profile Figures from Hamas and Hezbollah

Israeli forces have been involved in high-profile actions against key figures from Hamas and Hezbollah. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been reported killed in an Israeli raid on his residence in Tehran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is investigating the incident, while many senior Hamas figures and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have condemned it as an assassination and vowed retaliation. Israel has also reportedly killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an airstrike on a southern suburb of Beirut, Dahiyeh. The strike, which also injured several others, was part of an "intelligence-based elimination" operation. Shukr was reportedly targeted in retaliation for a recent rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which killed 12 people, mostly children. Hezbollah has denied involvement in that attack.

Violence Erupts in Southport Following Fatal Stabbing at Taylor Swift-Themed Event

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police, damaging vehicles and throwing bricks while chanting nativist slogans. The violence was attributed to the English Defence League, known for its provocative demonstrations. Amidst the unrest, a somber vigil was held where people paid their respects to the victims by laying flowers and toys. In Southport, England, a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed event resulted in the deaths of three girls and left five other children critically injured. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder. Although the suspect is not connected to terrorism, speculation by far-right groups about possible Islamic ties led to violent anti-Muslim protests.

IMF Grants USD 3 Billion Loan to Ethiopia

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) granted Ethiopia a loan valued at USD 3.4 billion shortly after Ethiopia's decision to float its currency. The loan is expected to be disbursed over a 4-year period and will help Ethiopian officials combat difficult economic conditions, attract foreign direct investment, and restructure debt after defaulting on a loan in December 2023. Officials alleged that ​another USD 7 billion is also anticipated to bolster the country's economy from other international lenders. However, floating the Ethiopian Birr has not come without its consequences as it has already devaluated by 30 percent to the U.S. Dollar since July 26. Some experts have warned that the decision will exacerbate inflation throughout the country, as Ethiopia has already experienced a shortage of foreign currency and a high cost of living. In the short term, the Birr is expected to continue to devaluate and then quickly stabilize. Moreover, the secured loans are likely to stimulate foreign investment and heighten business activity in Ethiopia following a period of stagnation due to ongoing foreign currency shortages.