ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 15, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 15, 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

• Syrian Interim Government Announced
• U.S. Imposes New Tariffs on Solar Wafers, Polysilicon, and Tungsten Products from China
• Everyday Rallies and Marches from Both Political Parties Intensifies in South Korea

Syrian Interim Government Announced

Syria’s authorities announced the lineup of the new transitional government charged with restoring security and services to the country recovering from over a decade of civil war. Among the named ministers were those in charge of the interior, justice, economy, media, agriculture, health, religious endowments, and education. Interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir stated that the new government is ready and willing to begin rebuilding but faces a funding shortage because the treasury of the former government was depleted by years of war, corruption, and international sanctions. The interim government plans to implement a series of free market economic reforms to reduce the strong centralization present under the Assad government. 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.

U.S. Imposes New Tariffs on Solar Wafers, Polysilicon, and Tungsten Products from China

On December 11, 2024, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that import taxes for solar wafers and polysilicon, an essential component in solar panels, would double from 25 to 50 percent, while certain tungsten products used in making electronics and semiconductors would be hit with a new 25 percent levy. The import tariffs will take effect on January 1, 2025, just weeks before incoming president Trump’s inauguration on January 20, and are meant to guard against China’s rising clean-energy capabilities. The tariff hikes may increase the cost of clean energy products in the short term and prompt U.S. manufacturers to diversify their supply chains and lessen their reliance on China for inputs and raw materials in the long term. China is likely to retaliate by banning the export of certain materials or by targeting U.S. industries that rely on Chinese consumption, which are mainly the agriculture and technology sectors.

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.