ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 3, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 3, 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

• Major Supply Chain Disruptions Expected from Southeastern Floods in Spain
• Ballot Drop Boxes Set on Fire in Washington and Oregon
• China to Offer Taliban Tariff-Free Trade

Major Supply Chain Disruptions Expected from Southeastern Floods in Spain

Over a year’s worth of rain fell in a few hours in the southeastern region of Valencia, killing over 90. The floods have also caused major transportation and supply chain disruptions with road cuts off. The region is key for Spain's agricultural industry, especially citrus production. The poor weather also impacted the rest of Spain. Expect shortages and price increases for goods produced in Spain, which is a leading supplier to the EU.

Ballot Drop Boxes Set on Fire in Washington and Oregon

Incendiary devices were set off at ballot drop boxes in Portland (Oregon) and Vancouver (Washington) destroying hundreds of ballots in Vancouver and damaging three in Oregon. Authorities linked the attacks to another similar incident that occured in Vancouver on October 8. This has led to increased security measures, including 24/7 monitoring and adjusted collection times. Several officials have condemned the attacks as threats to democracy amid heightened election tensions and misinformation about drop boxes.

China to Offer Taliban Tariff-Free Trade

China announced that it would offer the Taliban tariff-free access to its construction, energy, and consumer sectors, likely to gain access to Afghanistan's resources and forge supply chains through the country. The agreement would see China gain priority access to mineral resources, including lithium, copper, and iron deposits, which could help supply China’s battery and construction industries and help support the Taliban’s struggling economy. The projects would also help connect China through South Asia, where it is building road and rail supply chains through neighboring Pakistan as well, hoping to eventually reach Iran and create a supply chain that avoids U.S.-controlled waters.