ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 18, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 18, 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

• African Union Declares Mpox Health Emergency on August
• Ukrainian Incursion into Kursk
• Doctors’ Union in India Resumes Strike After Brief Pause

African Union Declares Mpox Health Emergency on August

The African Union Center for Disease Control (CDC) declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak across Africa. According to CDC data, as of August 4, there were 38,465 cases of mumps and 1,456 deaths in Africa since January 2022. The biggest outbreak is in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but cases have recently been observed in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Central African Republic. Mpox spreads from animals to humans and between people through close contact with an infected individual, including skin-to-skin contact and talking or breathing close to another person. The public health emergency declaration will help governments coordinate their response and increase the flow of medical supplies, but it also indicates that mpox could spread further.

Ukrainian Incursion into Kursk

In his first acknowledgement of Ukraine’s surprise offensive into western Kursk region in Russia, President Zelenskiy stated that the attack was to “restore justice” and put pressure on Moscow forces. It marks the largest Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory since the war began, leading to intense battles that have left parts of southwestern Russia vulnerable before reinforcements arrived. August 9 marked the fourth day of the incursion. Media reports had indicated some small Ukrainian detachments were geolocated up to about 22 miles beyond the international border. Ukrainian troops are not holding territory this deep inside Russia. They are conducting smaller-scale operations at this depth. However, Ukraine is currently holding positions up to 6 miles inside of Russia. As the incursion continues to gain momentum, Russia has reportedly dispatched reinforcements to Kursk and began civilian evacuations in some areas. In recent developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukrainian forces are continuing their advance into Russian-held territory following a surprise offensive. Alongside this, Kyiv reported a "major" drone assault targeting four Russian air bases.

Doctors’ Union in India Resumes Strike After Brief Pause

India’s Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) resumed an indefinite nationwide strike alongside other public health workers after briefly calling off the action. FORDA ended its work stoppage on August 14 after receiving favorable promises from India’s health minister, but resumed the strike after allied unions accused it of taking the action without consulting them. Medical professionals at numerous government hospitals across the country are threatening to continue the strike until a law is implemented increasing workplace security measures.