ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 11, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 11, 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

• German Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait
• Hungary Agrees Deal to Secure Transit of Russian Oil
• Heavy Rainfall Leads to Widespread Damage and Casualties in Morocco and Algeria

German Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait

Two German warships are set to pass through the Taiwan Strait in the middle of September 2024, the first German naval vessels to do so since 2002. The frigate Baden-Württemberg and the replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main are due to sail through the strait in a show of support for Taiwan, prompting objections from China. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan while also having jurisdiction over the nearly 180 km (112 miles) wide waterway in between. Taiwan rejects China’s claims, and the United States and Taiwan say the strait is an international waterway through which about half of global container ships pass. China could increase its military exercises over Taiwan in response to the visit as well as target both Taiwanese and German cyber entities.

Hungary Agrees Deal to Secure Transit of Russian Oil

On September 10, Hungarian energy company MOL announced that it reached an agreement to secure the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine via the Druzhba pipeline. In July, Ukraine introduced new sanctions on Russian oil supplier Lukoil that halted Lukoil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. MOL described the deal as a number of agreements with suppliers and pipeline operators that offered a "sustainable solution."

Heavy Rainfall Leads to Widespread Damage and Casualties in Morocco and Algeria

Heavy rainfall has prompted flooding and landslides across Morocco and Algeria, leading to widespread damage and casualties. Officials announced that 18 people died due to weather-related causes in Morocco, and five more deaths were reported in Algeria. Critical infrastructure, such as communication networks and electricity lines, was damaged in Morocco amid the two-day storm, and nearly 60 residences and 110 roads were destroyed. In Algeria, multiple bridges, roads, and train lines suffered damage due to the heavy rainfall. Emergency personnel were deployed in Morocco and Algeria to conduct search and rescue missions for affected residents and to repair damaged infrastructure.