5:30 PM ET, Monday, November 13, 2023
The Cipher Brief curates open source information from around the world that impacts national security. Here's a look at today's headlines:
THE TOP STORIES
Biden, Xi Reportedly Set to Pledge Ban on AI in Autonomous Weapons, Nuclear Warhead Control. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are reportedly set to announce an agreement pledging to ban the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in autonomous weaponry, like drones, and in systems controlling the use of nuclear warheads, according to The South China Morning Post citing sources familiar with the deal. There is increased focus on military AI as militaries consider the prospect of an increased role of automation in decision-making and launch procedures, which are currently overseen by human operators. The U.S. in February introduced its Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy framework to seek global consensus on military AI. Washington has also instituted new requirements on approving advanced AI products. China is likewise advancing its development of the technology, with Xi calling for a “unified and focused growth of strategic emerging industries,” namely AI.
Beyond AI, experts say that there still is not broad consensus on other military matters, including Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. Analysts added that China remains “sensitive” about arms control talks with the U.S. Sources say there has been consensus on matters like increasing U.S.-China flights to boost people-to-people exchanges, collaborative research and development efforts on public health policies, and stronger regulations on laboratories in China linked to fentanyl production. South China Morning Post
China Hosting Army Drills with Five Southeast Asian Neighbors. China’s defense ministry announced that it will hold anti-terrorism exercises with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in Chinese waters later this month. The ministry said the “Aman Youyi 2023” drills, which will be the fifth edition of the exercises, will focus on land and marine counterterrorism and security operations and will be held in the southern Chinese port of Zhanjiang. The ministry added that the exercises aim to “deepen military mutual trust” amid heightened tensions over the South China Sea. This will be the first time that Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos will join the exercises. The Philippines, which has recently clashed with China over disputed waters in the South China Sea, took part as an observer in past drills but will not be doing so this time. South China Morning Post
U.S. Forces in Syria Attacked at least Four More Times Since American Airstrikes. U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria were attacked at least four more times since the U.S. launched airstrikes against Iranian-linked facilities in Syria on Sunday. One-way attack drones targeted U.S. and coalition forces at the Rumalyn Landing Zone in northeast Syria on Monday. A defense official said one drone was downed, causing some damage to infrastructure. Three other attacks — including drone attacks against U.S. troops at Shadaddi and Mission Support Site Green Village and a multi-rocket attack against Mission Support Site Euprates — occurred on Sunday night. No injuries or damage were reported. A defense official said the latest assaults bring the total number of attacks since October 17 to 52. The attacks are attributed to Iranian-backed groups in the region. Washington Post
ISRAEL AND HAMAS WAR
Biden Calls for Gaza Hospitals to be Protected. President Joe Biden said Gaza’s hospitals “must be protected” and urged for “less intrusive action” around the medical facilities. White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan added that the U.S. and Israel “do not want to see firefights in hospitals” and that the facilities must be protected and that evacuation routes from the hospitals must be kept safe. Israel maintains that Hamas has placed command centers and its tunnel network under hospitals in Gaza, which Hamas and hospital officials have denied.
Health authorities say Al-Shifa hospital, Gaza’s largest, is no longer operating. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said fighting and explosions near the Al-Quds Hospital, which it said was also not operational, has disrupted evacuation efforts from the facility. The Israeli military released a statement saying that a “terrorist squad” had positioned itself amongst civilians at the hospital’s entrance and fired at Israeli troops. The statement said around 21 terrorists were killed when Israeli soldiers fired back. It did not say whether there were any civilian casualties.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Monday that there were “signs indicating hostages were held” in a basement of the al-Rantisi Hospital in northern Gaza. He claimed there was women’s clothing, a rope on the leg of a chair, an “improvised” toilet, and a “guardian list” for guards to sign into shifts to watch captives found in the basement. New York Times Al Jazeera
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Jabalia Refugee Camp. Israeli air strikes have reportedly hit the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian media. Palestinian news agency Wafa reports that at least 30 people were killed in the attack and that the strikes targeted 12 homes. Israel has said its previous strikes on the camp have killed Hamas commanders. Al Jazeera
Netanyahu Vows ‘War to the End.’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s military actions in Gaza are not an “operation” or another “round” but a “war to the end,” reiterating a vow to eliminate Hamas to ensure it does not “come back.” Netanyahu made his remarks to Israeli troops near southern Gaza. According to a government news release, Netanyahu heard how the soldiers “fought against dozens of terrorists and killed many” and praised them for being able to “turn the tide from the worst situation imaginable.” Washington Post CNN Reuters
U.N. says Gaza Aid to Stop Over Fuel Shortages. Andrea De Domenico, the head of the U.N.’s office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told reporters that aid deliveries to Gaza will cease on Thursday due to a lack of fuel. He said that aid trucks cannot unload due to the fuel shortage and lack of forklifts. Domenico said the lack of fuel will also lead to the shutdown of communications in Gaza by Thursday and he warned of the prospect of water and sewage pump failures, which will be a major public health threat. Israel has prohibited the transport of fuel into Gaza via humanitarian aid trucks from Egypt over concerns that Hamas will use the fuel for military purposes. Israel has said Hamas has enough fuel to power Gaza’s hospitals but uses it for weapons. Israel has also said it delivered fuel to the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza and that Hamas refused the delivery. Hamas and hospital officials have denied this. Washington Post
E.U. Foreign Policy Chief Proposes Post-War Gaza Plan. E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday offered proposals for how Gaza should be run after the Israel-Hamas war. His proposals reject: the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza; the Israeli military permanently reoccupying the territory; a change to the Gaza Strip’s size; and a return to Hamas rule there. His proposals call for: “a Palestinian authority” that could be a “reinforced” version of the current Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and outlined by the U.N. Security Council; Arab countries playing a greater role in this future Palestinian administration, not only with financial support for reconstruction but also with “a political contribution”; and stronger E.U. involvement, especially in the building of a Palestinian state. Reuters
THE UKRAINE UPDATE
Russian Shelling in Kherson Kills Two. Ukrainian officials say that Russian shelling in the southern Kherson region killed two people and injured 10 others on Monday. The attacks came just two days after the city marked a year since it was liberated from Russian occupation. Russia has frequently launched shelling attacks against Kherson from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River since then. Kyiv Independent
U.S. Investigating Ship Companies for Russia Oil Sanctions Violations. The U.S. Treasury Department has reportedly sent notices to ship management companies requesting information regarding 100 vessels it suspects of violating western sanctions on Russian oil, according to a source familiar with the matter. The notices, sent by the Office of Foreign Assets Control to ship management companies in roughly 30 countries, mark the biggest move by the U.S. against Russian oil since the U.S. and its allies imposed a price cap aimed at restricting Moscow’s oil revenues. A Treasury Department spokesperson did not comment on the report but reiterated the department’s commitment to “enforcing the price cap and reducing Russia’s resources for its war against Ukraine.” Last month, the U.S. imposed sanctions on owners of two tankers that had carried Russian oil priced above the cap, the first major enforcement of the measure. Reuters
Norway Commits $90 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine. Norway's Foreign Ministry announced that Norway will provide one billion Norwegian kroner ($89.7 million) in additional funding to domestic humanitarian aid organizations operating within Ukraine. The funds will be allocated to the Norwegian Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Caritas Norway, Save the Children, and the civil emergency force NORCAP. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide highlighted that nearly 18 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian aid. The ministry also said that Norway is increasing its support and participation in demining efforts in Ukraine. Kyiv Independent
F-16 Training Center for Ukrainian Pilots Opens in Romania. Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar announced that the training center for Ukrainian pilots to learn how to fly F-16 fighter jets in Romania has opened. The training center is located at the 86th Air Base in Fetesti, roughly 80 miles east of Bucharest. Tilvar said the center will be an “international hub for F-16 pilot training” and that the facility will boost “interoperability between allies.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on November 7 that five Dutch F-16 fighter jets had already arrived at the base. The Netherlands will provide 12-18 F-16s for training purposes, yet the jets will remain Dutch property and are only to be flown in NATO territory. Ukrainian pilots began F-16 training in Denmark in August. The U.S. later said that it would launch its own training sessions for Ukrainian pilots in October. It’s estimated that the first Ukrainian pilots to undergo F-16 jet fighter training may not be ready to fly them until summer 2024. Kyiv Independent
THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN
Australian Port Operator Recovering After Cyberattack. The Australian branch of Dubai-based logistic company DP World, one of Australia’s largest port operators, said it is resuming operations after being hit by a cyberattack last week. The company said its systems were targeted in a cyber incident on Friday, which forced it to disconnect systems from the internet and suspend operations at container terminals in several cities, including Sydney and Melbourne. The company said the attack made it impossible for trucks to enter or exit terminals to transport deliveries. Local media reported that nearly 30,000 shipping containers were stranded at the ports this weekend due to the disruption. DP World said it planned to move around 5,000 containers from four Australian terminals on Monday. The company is still investigating the attack. It is unclear which hacking group was responsible. The Record
Nepal Banning TikTok. Nepal is banning TikTok, saying that there has been rising demand to control the app and “misuse” of it is disrupting social harmony and goodwill. The Nepal Telecom Authority says it has asked internet service providers to close the app. Nepalese officials did not specify what triggered the ban. Local media reports that there have been over 1,600 TikTok-related cyber crime cases registered in Nepal over the last four years. Opposition leaders criticized the move as lacking “effectiveness, maturity and responsibility,” saying that regulation of social media is better than restriction. Several countries have completely or partially banned Tiktok over security concerns. TikTok did not comment on Nepal’s ban, but has said other restrictions on its app are “misguided” and based on “misconceptions.” Reuters Al Jazeera New York Times South China Morning Post
Hackers Steal Over $100 Million from Poloniex Crypto Platform. Hackers stole over $100 million in cryptocurrency from the trading platform Poloniex on Friday. The platform confirmed that it is investigating the theft and pledged to fully reimburse those impacted by the attack. Poloniex also offered to pay 5% of what was stolen as a bounty to the hacker in exchange for the return of the funds. The hacker has 7 days to take the offer before the platform involves law enforcement. The Record
ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD
Asia and Oceania
China’s Security Minister Tours Southeast Asia. China’s Minister of State Security Chen Yixin finished a rare overseas visit with a 10-day tour of Southeast Asia. Chen, whose ministry usually operates away from the spotlight, said he reached an “extensive consensus” on security and intelligence cooperation with Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The tour came amid a new national security push in China, seen in its new anti-espionage law and revision to the Law on Guarding State Secrets. South China Morning Post
Pakistan Opens New Border Crossings to Accelerate Expulsion of Afghans. Pakistan on Monday opened three more border crossings in southwestern Balochistan province to expedite the deportation of undocumented Afghan nationals who had been ordered to leave voluntarily or face deportation. Officials say almost 300,000 Afghans have left Pakistan in recent weeks since the October 31 deadline for Afghans living in the country illegally to leave. Islamabad has said the repatriations are linked to involvement of Afghan nationals in militant attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban have denied this. Kabul and rights groups have called for an end to the mass migration over concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Associated Press Reuters Washington Post
The Americas
Brazil Arrests Man Suspected of Links to Hezbollah. Brazilian police on Sunday arrested another man suspected of having links to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Sources say the detainee was arrested in Brazil’s capital Brasilia and was already under investigation for ties to the militant group. Brazilian authorities arrested two people in Sao Paulo last week who were suspected of being part of a Hezbollah terrorist cell planning attacks on Jews in Brazil. (Editor’s Note: Read more from The Cipher Brief about Hezobllah’s operations in Latin America here.) Reuters The Cipher Brief
Africa
Gabon Junta Aims to Hold Elections in August 2025. Gabon’s military junta said on Monday that it is aiming to hold elections in August 2025 as part of an “indicative” transition to civilian rule. The junta added that a new constitution will be presented at the end of October 2024 and that a referendum on its adoption will be held November-December 2024. It also said that these dates are still subject to possible revision. The elections are set to be held two years after the military coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo. France 24 Reuters
Unknown Attackers in Burkina Faso Kill 70 Civilians. Unidentified attackers killed at least 70 civilians in northern Burkina Faso earlier this month, according to a state prosecutor. The attack occurred on November 5 in the village of Zaongo in the northern Centre-North region. Investigations into the attack are ongoing. The E.U. on Sunday called for a swift probe into the matter. Reuters
Militant Attack in Congo Kills Over 20. Islamist militants attacked a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, killing at least 23 people. Several victims drowned while trying to cross the Lamia river to flee into Uganda. Officials said many villagers were still missing. A spokesperson for Congo’s army accused the Islamic State-allied Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) of carrying out the attack. Reuters Al Jazeera
Uganda Charges Islamic State-Allied Rebel Group Commander over Killing of Tourists. A Ugandan court on Monday charged Kyoto Abdul Rashid, a commander in the Islamic State-allied Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), with nine offenses including the murder of two tourists and their local aide in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park in mid October. Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the killings. Rashid was also accused of acts of violence aimed at influencing the government, robbery, and belonging to a terrorist organization. Rashid was captured earlier this month in a Ugandan military operation in which six other rebels were killed. He was remanded to prison and ordered to reappear in court on November 27. BBC Reuters
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Ethan Masucol and Ryan Simons contributed to this report.
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