ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 18, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 18, 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

• Explosive Pager Operation in Lebanon Sparks Retaliation Threats
• Supply Chain and Travel Disruptions to Linger in Shanghai until October 2024 over Tropical Storms
• BNP Rally in Naya Paltan Neighborhood, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Explosive Pager Operation in Lebanon Sparks Retaliation Threats

According to Lebanese security sources, Israel's Mossad spy agency planted explosives inside 5,000 Taiwan-made pagers ordered by Hezbollah, which detonated across Lebanon, killing nine people and injuring nearly 3,000, including Hezbollah fighters and Iran's envoy to Beirut. At the time of writing, it remains unclear what exactly triggered the detonations. Even though some Israeli sources claim the devices were “hacked,” there have been no comments from the Israeli military yet. The operation represents a major security breach for Hezbollah, and the group has vowed to retaliate against Israel.

Supply Chain and Travel Disruptions to Remain in Shanghai Until October 2024 over Tropical Storms

In Shanghai, the most densely populated Chinese city, Typhoon Bebinca has led to the evacuation of 414,000 people, the cancellation of 1,400 flights from two airports, the relocation of 811 ships, and the suspension of 570 passenger trains. Many businesses were already closed for the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival, and China foresaw a travel surge during these holidays. However, travel disruptions in Shanghai are expected to last until September 17. Meanwhile, the China Meteorological Administration confirmed the formation of another tropical storm, Pulasan, emerging from the Northwestern Pacific Ocean and projected to approach the East China Sea. Pulasan may follow a path similar to that of Bebinca, and the next ten days are expected to be particularly active for tropical storms, with the potential for consecutive typhoons forming to impact the region before October 1, 2024. October 1 to October 8 aligns with China's busy Golden Week travel holiday when most businesses and factories are closed. However, supply chain disruptions could be extended due to storms.

BNP Rally in Naya Paltan Neighborhood, Dhaka, Bangladesh

On September 17, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held a rally outside its headquarters in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan neighborhood to demand new elections following the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Thousands of party supporters reportedly attended the event, leading to localized traffic restrictions. The BNP is one of two political parties, along with the Awami League (AL), that has largely dominated Bangladeshi politics since independence. The party held dozens of rallies and protest blockades throughout 2022 and 2023, demanding the then-ruling AL government resign so that new elections could be held. If BNP leaders decide the ruling interim government is taking too long to hold new elections, they could organize similar future actions.