ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 23, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - November 23, 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

• U.S. Sanctions Remaining Russian Banks Connected to International Payment System
• Kenyan Government Launches Investigation into Arrest of Prominent Ugandan Opposition Figure
• Over 40 Killed in North-West Pakistan in Gun Attack on Shia Convoy

U.S. Sanctions Remaining Russian Banks Connected to International Payment System

The United States sanctioned more than 50 Russian banks that remained connected to the international payment system, including Gazprombank and its six foreign subsidiaries. Gazprombank was previously the largest remaining internationally-connected Russian bank that was not under sanctions. The new measures will significantly restrict Russia's ability to make direct international payments. Russian companies will now have to conduct payments through payment agents and other intermediaries, which will raise trade costs and increase the price of many goods.

Kenyan Government Launches Investigation into Arrest of Prominent Ugandan Opposition Figure

Kenya announced an investigation into the arrest of prominent Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye after he reportedly disappeared from the capital Nairobi on November 16. Besigye is a prominent rival of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. He was last seen on November 20 being tried at a military court in Kampala after being charged with several offenses, including being illegally in possession of firearms and attempting to buy arms abroad. Besigye will remain in custody until at least December 2. The Kenyan government, who has denounced the arrest, claimed that he was kidnapped. Kenya was criticized by international organizations for not protecting foreign officials in the country, but Kenyan officials claimed that Besigye did not announce his visit to the government.

Over 40 Killed in North-West Pakistan in Gun Attack on Shia Convoy

Gunmen opened fire on a convoy of Shia Muslims traveling through Kurram district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in at least 42 deaths and 20 injuries. The attack, one of the region's deadliest in recent years, occurred amid rising tensions between Sunnis and Shias. The convoy was en route from Parachinar to Peshawar when it was ambushed. Several of the wounded are in critical condition. At the time of writing, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.