ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 17, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 17, 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

• Russian Oil Tankers Damaged in Storm; Oil Spill in Kerch Strait
• Authorities Fear Cyclone Chido Killed Hundreds, If Not Thousands in Mayotte, France
• India to Supply LNG to Sri Lanka

Russian Oil Tankers Damaged in Storm; Oil Spill in Kerch Strait

Two Russian oil tankers—the Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239—were damaged during a storm in the Kerch Strait, causing an oil spill. The two ships were carrying a combined cargo of over 9,000 metric tons of mazut, a heavy low-grade fuel oil. Russian media outlets confirmed the incident caused an oil spill, estimating the size of the spill to be over 3,000 metric tons.

Cyclone Chido Affected Hundreds in Mayotte, France

The archipelago of Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, was devastated by the cyclone Chido, leading authorities to fear that hundreds or even thousands had been killed. Chido is considered to be the worst storm in about 100 years. The cyclone caused extensive damage to the territory's infrastructure, forcing the closure of the airport until at least Thursday. Additionally, ship traffic between the main islands remains suspended. With many shantytowns destroyed, government-level records of rapid interments will be difficult to achieve. A state of emergency has been declared in the territory, and aid is being rushed in.

India to Supply LNG to Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would begin supplying liquid natural gas (LNG) to neighboring Sri Lanka to boost bilateral cooperation. The announcement came during a visit by Sri Lanka’s recently elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The two countries will also cooperate to explore connecting their respective power grids. While no start date was announced, the agreement will help to boost India’s relationship with Sri Lanka amid growing influence of China over the island nation. Some speculated prior to President Dissanayake’s election that he would favor the relationship with China during his term. His cooperation with India’s government shows that he is likely adopting a more pragmatic approach to maximize benefit to Sri Lanka.