ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 13, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 13, 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

• Seizure of Airports in Somalia's Gedo Region by Ethiopian Military
• U.S. and UK May Authorize Long-Range Strikes on Russian Territory
• Flights Disrupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya amid Worker's Strike

Seizure of Airports in Somalia's Gedo Region by Ethiopian Military

On September 12, 2024, a Somali-based news outlet reported that the Ethiopian military seized control of all airports in the Gedo region of Somalia, which borders Ethiopia. The article stated that the Ethiopian military took control of the airports of Bardere, Dolow, Luuq, and Garbaharey. However, claims of the airport seizures could not be independently verified. A recent deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland has sparked major tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia since January 2024. The deal allowed Ethiopia to use approximately 20 kilometers of Red Sea access in exchange for recognizing Somaliland as a country independent from Somalia; in response, Somali officials accused Ethiopia of violating the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Meanwhile, Egypt and Somalia recently signed a defense deal, per which Egypt recently sent over 1,000 troops and military aid to Somalia, further increasing regional tensions. While Turkey has attempted to mediate tensions to improve relations between both countries, further actions by Somalia and Ethiopia have resulted in escalated tensions that have the potential to spark broader conflict.

U.S. and UK May Authorize Long-Range Strikes on Russian Territory

On September 11, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Minister David Lemmy arrived in Ukraine on a joint visit. Rumors are circulating that the visit is intended to inform Ukraine that the U.S. and UK will allow Ukraine to use their long-range weapons for strikes on targets deep inside Russian territory. If the rumors prove true, this would mark a significant shift in Western policy. Russia has previously warned long-range strikes on its territory using Western weapons represent a red line, and has vowed to respond "appropriately" if Western governments authorize such strikes.

Flights Disrupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya amid Worker's Strike

An aviation worker's union strike has resulted in several flight disruptions and cancellations at Kenya's main Nairobi airport--Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The strike and associated demonstrations were organized to oppose a deal between the Kenyan government and Indian-based company Adani. The strike has also spread to airports in Mombasa and Kisumu, and some reports indicate that clashes occurred between protesters and police officers. In the controversial deal, the Adani Group will invest USD 1.85 billion in exchange for a 30-year operation contract at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. While the investment would allow for the construction of a second runway and several airport upgrades in the capital Nairobi, union officials argued that the deal will result in job losses and the hiring of foreign staff. Kenyan officials announced plans to negotiate with workers to allow for a resumption of normal operations, but airport disruptions are expected to continue at airports across Kenya in the coming days.