ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 4, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 4, 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

• State of Emergency in Ecuador Extended over Drug Violence into October 2024
• U.S. Prepares New Sanctions as Venezuela Issues Arrest Warrant for Opposition Leader
• China Rams Philippines Vessels at Different Set of Islands in South China Sea

State of Emergency in Ecuador Extended over Drug Violence into October 2024

President Daniel Noboa extended a state of emergency for the provinces of Los Ríos, Guayas, Santa Elena, Manabí, El Oro, and Orellana. A nationwide state of emergency related to rampant drug crime came into effect in January, but unlike other emergency orders, it has not been lifted yet. The emergency order arrives with an accompanying curfew and enhanced policing power. The order has proven politically popular for Noboa as it has shown some short-term success in lowering drug-related crime. While the ongoing emergency order has reduced crime, it has also weakened the already fragile economy, and its security benefits are beginning to fade.

U.S. Prepares New Sanctions as Venezuela Issues Arrest Warrant for Opposition Leader

On September 3, 2024, Venezuela issued an arrest warrant for recent presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The arrest warrant comes a day after the United States seized a plane belonging to President Nicolas Maduro for reported sanctions violations. Most of the international community, including the United States, believes that Gonzalez was the actual winner of the July 28 presidential elections that determined Maduro won a third term in office. Since then, there have been mass protests in Venezuela and a violent crackdown by security forces. Until now, there have not been major sanctions against Venezuela, but the United States is reportedly preparing new sanctions against Maduro and his allies. The United States only recently lifted sanctions in the lead-up to the election, hoping to secure a democratic vote.

China Rams Philippines Vessels at Different Set of Islands in South China Sea

A China Coast Guard has rammed a Philippine Coast Guard patrol ship three times at Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, in the South China Sea. While there were no reported injuries during the incident, the ship was badly damaged. The latest collision comes after both sides had agreed to an earlier truce regarding a separate island known as Second Thomas Shoal. Sabina Shoal is closer to the Philippine coast, potentially making the latest escalation more significant. The shoal is claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China wants control of the seas near its mainland to control shipping lanes and for security reasons. However, its contested claims have brought those nations closer to the U.S. militarily.