ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 28, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 28, 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 Tests First Domestic Ballistic Missiles
• Protesters Clash with Police in Kolkata, India
• Oil Production to Completely Halt in Eastern Libya over Central Bank Dispute

Ukraine Tests First Domestic Ballistic Missiles

On August 27, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine recently tested its first domestically produced ballistic missile. This development underscores the rapid advancement of Ukraine's defense industry since 2022. While any deployment of a domestic ballistic missile is unlikely to occur in the near term, such a weapon would allow Ukraine to expand its strike capabilities on Russian soil.

Protesters Clash with Police in Kolkata, India

On August 27, 2024, thousands of demonstrators clashed with police in Kolkata during a protest demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor on August 9. Police reportedly used water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges against protesters to prevent them from marching on the state secretariat building. Reports indicate several protesters were injured during the clashes. In response to the violence, the state’s main opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party, has called for a 12-hour general strike across West Bengal on August 28. It is unclear how much participation the strike will attract. Transportation and businesses will likely be affected.

Oil Production to Completely Halt in Eastern Libya over Central Bank Dispute

Officials representing the eastern-based government in Libya have announced a complete oil stoppage in eastern Libya following several attempted alleged attacks to change the leadership of Libya’s Central Bank, operated by the UN-backed government in western Libya. The Eastern government leader, Khalifa Haftar, heads the National Libyan Army and controls most of Libya’s oil production. Officials representing Haftar stated that the force majeure will be in effect until further notice. Some reports indicate that it will take 24-48 hours for the stoppage to take effect, but some oil fields announced plans to gradually reduce production over time. In July 2024, Libya produced 1.15 million barrels per day of crude oil. The scale of the stoppage remains unclear, but would most heavily affect Mediterranean and Northwest European markets. This could have an impact on rising oil prices, which have already risen 3 percent in response to the announcement, and could have significant effects on the crude market.