ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 7, 2025

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 7, 2025

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

• Major Earthquakes Hit Kathmandu and Tibet, Triggering Panic and Casualties
• Canadian PM Trudeau to Resign, but Change of Power Unlikely Until Mid-2025
• Seven States in Ecuador Under New State of Emergency Until March 2025

Major Earthquakes Hit Kathmandu and Tibet, Triggering Panic and Casualties

A powerful earthquake struck Kathmandu early on Tuesday morning (local time), registering a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale, according to the National Earthquake Measurement Centre. The tremors were also felt in the Madhubani region of Bihar, India. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Dinggye, China, near the converging boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The earthquake also affected nearby districts, including Kavrepalanchwok and Dhading in Nepal, prompting many residents in Kathmandu to rush outdoors in panic. At the same time, another strong earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.9, occurred near Shigatse in Tibet, damaging buildings and causing widespread fear. This led to casualties in western China, where at least 53 people were reported dead and 62 injured—at the time of writing.

Canadian PM Trudeau to Resign, but Change of Power Unlikely Until Mid-2025

On January 6, 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would resign after his Liberal Party chose a replacement leader. Trudeau also called for Parliament to be prorogued until March 24 with the request granted. That means that the opposition Conservative Party is unlikely to hold a vote of no confidence in Trudeau, which would likely have succeeded. New elections are therefore likely by the summer of 2025. The Liberal Party will not decide on a new leader, but the Conservative Party is still very likely to win the next elections, which could influence which Liberal candidates decide to run for leadership. Trudeau's resignation does give Canada more economic and political certainty. The new PM is likely to have a better relationship with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, which could see more investment in Canadian fossil fuels and similar immigration policies.

Seven States in Ecuador Under New State of Emergency Until March 2025

President Daniel Noboa has declared a new state of emergency for the seven states of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, Santa Elena, and Sucumbios until at least March 3, 2025, over drug-related crime. The last state of emergency for the entire country expired at the end of 2024. The emergency order includes a nighttime curfew and will very likely include raids on suspected drug dealers, which could result in violent clashes with security forces.