ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - October 20, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - October 20, 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 Proposes to Build Nuclear-Powered LNG Carrier
• North Korea Blows Up Parts of Inter-Korean Roads
• India and Canada Expel Diplomats in Blow to Relations

Russia Proposes to Build Nuclear-Powered LNG Carrier

During a recent presentation, the President of Russia's Kurchatov Institute, Mikhail Kovalchuk, unveiled plans for a proposed nuclear submarine gas carrier. According to Kovalchuk, three Ritm-200 nuclear reactors would power the vessel to deliver Russian LNG to consumers in Asia. Kovalchuk noted that in order to integrate such a vessel into the existing transport infrastructure, the submarine would require a capacity of about 180,000 tons. While it is unclear whether the vessel will be approved for production, Kovalchuk's presentation itself indicates Russia may be feeling pressure to identify new ways to export its LNG as Western sanctions constrict its ability to use commercial carriers.

North Korea Blows Up Parts of Inter-Korean Roads

On October 15, 2024, North Korea blew up the northern sections of two inter-Korean roads to emphasize its severing of all ties with South Korea. North Korea exploded parts of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads on its northern side of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Gyeongui Road links the two Koreas in the western part of the country and is primarily used by business people operating factories at the Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea. Meanwhile, Donghae Road along the east coast is utilized by tourists visiting North Korea's Mount Geumgang. While North and South Korean ties have been tense for decades, 2024 has seen North Korea abandon the policy of ultimately reuniting. South Korea is likely to respond to North Korea's repeated physical and political demonstrations by stationing more troops near the border and through military exercises near the border.

India and Canada Expel Diplomats in Blow to Relations

India and Canada expelled several of each other’s diplomats after Ottawa accused New Delhi of supporting violence against Canadian Sikh activists. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated it believed the six expelled Indian diplomats had connections to organized criminal elements involved in harassment and violence against Canadian Sikhs. It is the latest development in a diplomatic rift reaching back to last year, when both countries suspended visa services after Canada announced it was investigating Indian officials in connection to the murder of a Sikh nationalist near Vancouver. Canadian and Indian officials both claim bilateral trade is unlikely to be affected in the near term. Rather, citizens of both countries are likely to face difficulties in obtaining visas or receiving diplomatic services while tensions remain high.