ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 6, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 6, 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 Suspected of Sending Incendiary Devices via Cargo Shippers
• Kenya Requests to Join BRICS amid Visit from Chinese Official
• Firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Triggers Demonstrations in Israel

Russia Suspected of Sending Incendiary Devices via Cargo Shippers

Western intelligence officials reportedly suspect Russia had planted incendiary devices in two packages shipped by DHL that caught fire in Leipzig (Germany) and Birmingham (the United Kingdom) in July. Officials believe the incidents were part of a covert Russian operation that "ultimately aimed to start fires aboard cargo or passenger aircraft flying to the United States and Canada." These reports come after months of speculation that the July incidents were connected to Russia, and seemingly confirmed officials have attributed the attacks to Russia. When asked about the alleged Russian plot, a U.S. government official reportedly said, “at this time, there is no current active threat targeting U.S.-bound flights.” Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called these reports “unintelligible hoaxes which are never supported by any credible information.”

Kenya Requests to Join BRICS amid Visit from Chinese Official

Top Chinese official Li Xi has arrived in Nairobi to hold bilateral talks with President William Ruto at the State House to strengthen bilateral relations. Ruto's administration issued a statement praising Chinese investment in Kenya and requested that China support Kenya's bid to join the international organization BRICS, an international organization that comprises several countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. China has invested in several infrastructure projects in Kenya, including Kenya's transportation systems, the Bosto Dam Water Project, and Jamhuri Stadium. The investment was a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative to improve transportation networks and global trade.

Firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Triggers Demonstrations in Israel

Demonstrations broke out across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on November 5, 2024. A similar attempt to fire Gallant in March 2023 triggered massive unrest. Therefore, significant large-scale demonstrations should be expected in the coming days.