ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 30, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - August 30, 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

• Houthis Allow Access to Stranded Tanker at Red Sea as EU Reports No Leak
• Egypt Reportedly Sends Weapons to Somalia amid Tensions with Ethiopia
• Heavy Flooding in Gujarat, India, amid Possible Tropical Storm Formation

Houthis Allow Access to Stranded Tanker at Red Sea as EU Reports No Leak

On August 29, 2024, Yemen’s Houthi militia agreed to allow tugboats and rescue ships to access the stranded oil tanker Sounion, which has been abandoned at the Red Sea for over a week with numerous fires burning onboard. The Houthis had earlier threatened to attack any efforts to recover the vessel but reportedly agreed to allow access after receiving appeals from multiple countries. It is unclear how quickly relief efforts will be able to extinguish the fires and relocate the vessel. On the same day, the European Union’s mission in the Red Sea claimed the Sounion was not leaking oil, refuting reports from a day earlier that the ship appeared to be leaking. A major oil spill in the region would have severely impacted the local ecology, fishing, and navigation. Insurance rates for vessels passing through the Red Sea have reportedly doubled in the wake of the attack on the Sounion.

Egypt Reportedly Sends Weapons to Somalia amid Tensions with Ethiopia

Somali officials have alleged that two Egyptian aircraft carrying ammunition and weaponry arrived in the capital Mogadishu for the first time in several decades. The move comes after Egypt and Somalia signed a defense agreement on August 14, whereby Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi affirmed counterterrorism efforts in Somalia, as well as the country's territorial integrity. Tensions have heightened between Somalia and Ethiopia in 2024 after Ethiopia signed an agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland to lease a port on the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland as an independent country from Somalia. Somali officials have strongly opposed the deal and have claimed that the agreement violated Somalia's territorial integrity. Moreover, Egypt and Ethiopia have endured strained relations since 2011 over Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt fears will affect its water supply. Ethiopian officials expressed concerns over the arrival of Egyptian military aid. Moreover, Egyptian and Somali officials have applauded the pact as a deepening of ties. The move is likely to further exacerbate tensions between Ethiopia and its neighbors, which may prompt further security actions.

Heavy Flooding in Gujarat, India, amid Possible Tropical Storm Formation

Heavy rains have caused flooding in India’s western state of Gujarat, as authorities predict the formation of a tropical storm by August 30. At least 28 people have died in the floods, which caused landslides, destroyed infrastructure, and knocked out power along coastal areas of the state. Nearly 200,000 people have reportedly evacuated as rescue efforts remain ongoing. Authorities predict the formation of a tropical storm off the coast on August 30, which is expected to move away from India quickly. More heavy rain and wind are expected in the coming days.