ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 11, 2023

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 11, 2023

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

• ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - Holiday Season Terror Threat Raises Global Alarm
• International Olympic Committee Allows Some Russian and Belarusian Athletes to Compete
• China Grants Tariff-Free Access to Six African Countries Starting December 25, 2023

ZeroFox Intelligence Brief - Holiday Season Terror Threat Raises Global Alarm

Multiple Western security authorities have warned that the conditions for a terrorist attack are high in the run-up to the holiday period. Christmas markets and Hannukah events and celebrations from December 7–15 present soft targets, especially given the increased sensitivities surrounding the Israel-Hamas War. An uptick in extremist propaganda online could further inspire would-be attackers, who, in the recent past, have viewed large public gatherings as ideal targets. Additionally, European authorities are concerned that broader, longer-term societal fissures will drive an increased threat over the holiday period. Protests over immigration and the cost of living have already turned violent multiple times this year and could resurface during the holidays.

International Olympic Committee Allows Some Russian and Belarusian Athletes to Compete

On December 8, 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it will allow some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Only individual athletes will be allowed to compete, whereas teams from the two countries will not be allowed. Additionally, the IOC will not invite any Russian or Belarusian officials to visit the Games. Ukrainian officials have expressed disappointment in the decision, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba saying, "The IOC essentially gave Russia the green light to weaponize the Olympics."

China Grants Tariff-Free Access to Six African Countries Starting December 25, 2023

The China Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council has announced that China will provide zero-tariff treatment for six African countries, Angola, Gambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC), Madagascar, Mali, and Mauritania. Starting December 25, 2023, 98 percent of taxable products from these six countries will be exempt from tariffs when entering the Chinese market. The commission said the move aims to strengthen China-Africa cooperation and China will expand its zero-tariff treatment to all the “least-developed countries” with which it has established diplomatic relations. So far 21 African countries are benefiting similar measures over the past two years.