ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 11, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 11, 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. Disburses First Loan to Ukraine Backed By Frozen Russian Assets
• Mohammed Al-Bashir Appointed Interim Prime Minister of Syria
• Everyday Rallies and Marches from Both Political Parties Intensifies in South Korea

U.S. Disburses First Loan to Ukraine Backed By Frozen Russian Assets

On December 10, 2024, the United States announced the disbursement of a USD 20 billion loan to Ukraine, paid for by the windfall proceeds from frozen Russian assets. The loan is part of the USD 50 billion collective G7 loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets. The U.S. Treasury Department said it has transferred the funds to the World Bank’s Facilitation of Resources to Invest in Strengthening Ukraine Financial Intermediary Fund, which will make the funds available to Ukraine. Russia has previously threatened to respond to any Western attempts to use frozen Russian assets to back Ukraine's aid. The U.S. disbursement of funds may prompt economic retaliation from Russia. This announcement comes after the EU and Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding to attract up to EUR 35 billion (USD 36.7 billion) as part of the G7 loan.

Mohammed Al-Bashir Appointed Interim Prime Minister of Syria

On December 10, 2024, the rebel coalition that ousted Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad announced Mohammed al-Bashir as the country’s new interim prime minister. Bashir will serve in the position until March 1, 2025, and will be charged with restoring government services and security. Prior to his appointment, Bashir led the rebel-aligned Salvation Government that ruled over much of the northwestern Idlib province, from where the rebels launched their surprise offensive against the government in late November. The power transfer to Bashir took place in cooperation with the former prime minister appointed by Assad, Ghazi al-Jalali.

Everyday Rallies and Marches from Both Political Parties Intensifies in South Korea

On December 10, 2024, a candlelight vigil demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol continued in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul. An estimated 40,000 people, according to the organizers, attended the vigil. Currently, rallies around South Korea are divided between people supporting President Yoon being impeached and supporters of the People Power Party (PPP) protesting against the impeachment. PPP Supporters have been observed to increase physical threats against public official's homes and offices. Currently, the opposition party is probing investigations on days leading to martial law declaration, expediting the impeachment of President Yoon, and preparing bills and laws to limit President Yoon's power, such as limiting martial law risks and lowering government budgets. Additionally, the National Assembly and Prosecutors have banned President Yoon from foreign travel to prepare for emergency arrest and investigation surrounding illegal methods when declaring martial law.