ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 28, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 28, 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

• Large Unprecedented Pakistani Airstrikes Against Taliban Positions in Afghanistan
• Syrian Authorities Tighten Security Aafter Clash with Alleged Assad loyalists
• Israeli Strikes Kill Five Palestinian Journalists in Gaza

Large Unprecedented Pakistani Airstrikes Against Taliban Positions in Afghanistan

Pakistan recently conducted airstrikes on the eastern border of Afghanistan, killing at least 45. Pakistan claimed it was targeting Pakistani Taliban (TTP) elements operating along the Afghan-Pakistan border in Afghanistan. TTP are ideologically aligned with the ruling Afghan Taliban, who have been accused of providing them safe haven, which they have used to plan attacks on Pakistan. Pakistan was similarly accused of allowing the Afghan Taliban to operate in Pakistan when they were out of power from 2001 to 2021. The Taliban do likely have some ability to curtail TTP attacks in Pakistan, but it is unclear if they will use that leverage following the unprecedented airstrikes from Pakistan inside Afghan territory.

Syrian Authorities Tighten Security After Clash with Alleged Assad Loyalists

Syrian authorities launched a crackdown around the coastal city of Tartus after an alleged ambush by Assad loyalists killed at least 14 police officers. The clash, in which three attackers were reportedly killed, took place as authorities attempted to arrest a former senior government officer. Tartus is home to a large population of the minority Alawite religious sect of which former president Bashar al-Assad was a member.

Israeli Strikes Kill Five Palestinian Journalists in Gaza

Gaza authorities have reported the death of five journalists, from the Al-Quds Today channel, in an Israeli strike targeting a broadcast vehicle in front of Al-Awda Hospital in the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Israel’s military also claimed responsibility for at least five airstrikes targeting what it described as military sites in Yemen, largely under the control of Iran-backed Houthis. The strikes on Thursday hit key locations, including ports, power stations, and Sana’a International Airport.