ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 1, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 1, 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

• Russia Launches Largest Airstrike on Ukraine to Date
• Oil Production to Completely Halt in Eastern Libya over Central Bank Dispute
• Drone Attacks and Burning Cars Reported in Clashes Between Cartel Elements and Security Forces in Michoacán, Mexico

Russia Launches Largest Airstrike on Ukraine to Date

On August 26, Russia launched its largest set of airstrikes on Ukraine throughout the course of the war, likely in response to Ukraine's invasion of Kursk. Russia fired over 200 missiles and drones, primarily targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, and hit fifteen different regions of the country. While Ukrainian officials said they managed to shoot down the majority of the Russian projectiles, the attack caused widespread power outages throughout both Ukraine and Moldova. The attacks also damaged the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant; however, authorities assured the dam was not at risk of a breach at this time.

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 Libyan National Army (LNA) 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.

Drone Attacks and Burning Cars Reported in Clashes Between Cartel Elements and Security Forces in Michoacán, Mexico

On August 28, there were multiple instances of violence from armed elements allegedly affiliated with Los Viagras Cartel. Police headquarters in the municipality of Buenavista were attacked with explosive devices at least three times, and burning cars were reported in the area of the Santa Ana Amatlán on the highway towards Zimanca. As well, there are reports of hooded men forcing drivers out of their cars in the area Apatzingán and using the cars to block the roads. Mexican federal police and military forces are reportedly deployed in the area to reinforce local security forces.