10:00 AM ET, Tuesday, August 15, 2023
The Cipher Brief curates open source information from around the world that impacts national security. Here's a look at today's headlines, broken down by region of the world:
In the Americas
Biden to Meet with Leaders of South Korea & Japan at Camp David. US President Joe Biden has invited Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to gather at Camp David this Friday. Senior US administration officials stated that the three countries will launch a series of joint initiatives on technology and defense to counter growing threats posed by both China and North Korea. The summit is expected to lead to a joint statement with language regarding China’s claims to Taiwan. Furthermore, officials hope that the summit will lead to new defense initiatives, including a deepening of joint military exercises and missile defense cooperation. Reuters
Haiti Violence Spiraling out of Control. Human rights groups have appealed to the international community on Monday to intervene after brutal rapes and killing have continued in Haiti. The appeal comes as Haiti awaits a decision from the UN Security Council on its request in October regarding the immediate deployment of an international armed force to combat the surge in violence. The US has already announced that it would introduce a UN Security Council resolution authorizing Kenya to lead a multinational police force to fight gangs, but no timetable has been provided. It is estimated that gangs now control about 80% of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. Additionally, more than 30 police officers were killed between January and June of this year. Associated Press
Western Europe
Britain Arrests Three Suspected Russian Spies as Part of National Security Investigation. The BBC says that three Bulgarian citizens were arrested in February of this year as part of a major national security investigation. The three are suspected of being Russian spies. The three were charged under the Official Secrets Act and reportedly arrested by counter-terrorism detectives from the Metropolitan Police. Among the charges they face are possessing identity documents with “improper intention” and are alleged to have been in possession of passports and other documents from the UK, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, and the Czech Republic. The three suspects are expected to go on trial in January and have yet to enter a plea. BBC Reuters
European Countries Sending New Drones to Ukraine. German weapons maker Rheinmetall announced on August 14 that it is preparing to send the LUNA NG (next generation) reconnaissance drone to Ukraine. They added that the system should arrive by the end of the year. The LUNA NG is part of a larger military aid package the German government approved in July and includes a ground control station, several UAVs, a launch catapult, optional net equipment for catching the drones when they land, and equipment for rapid repair. Rheinmetall claims that the drone can stay aloft for over twelve hours and maintain a datalink range of over 100 km normally and up to 300 km when outfitted with optional satellite communication equipment. The specific number of LUNA NG drones to be delivered to Ukraine was not revealed. This comes as Ukraine is also scheduled to receive a series of CORTEX Typhon counter-UAS systems made by Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg. According to Kongsberg, the CORTEX system can counter a wide spectrum of UAVs with solutions to either physically harm or otherwise disable aerial threats. Defense News
Central and Eastern Europe
Russian Air Strikes Kill Three, Damage 8 Regions in Western Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said Tuesday that three people were killed and more than a dozen wounded after Russia struck two western regions of Ukraine bordering Poland and other zones. Governor Yuriy Pohulyaiko said several victims were hospitalized in the northwestern region of Volyn, where an industrial enterprise in the regional capital of Lutsk was hit. According to Governor Maksym Kozytskyi, fifteen were injured in the Lviv region, and six missiles damaged a kindergarten playground and dozens of buildings. The youngest victim was 10 years old, said Kozytskyi. Denise Brown, the UN resident coordinator in Ukraine, said that the city of Lviv and other parts of the nation, which have largely been seen as safe zones, are “where millions of people are seeking safety and refuge after fleeing the horrors of Russia's invasion . . . Russia's persistent attacks hitting essential infrastructure in populated areas cause immense human suffering." Separately, Governor Serhiy Lysak said that at least two people were also injured in the southeastern city of Dnipro, after a sports complex and business enterprise were struck. The air force said that at least 28 cruise missiles were involved in Tuesday’s attacks, and sixteen were shot down. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said eight regions were damaged. Reuters France 24 Al Jazeera
Ships backed up in Black Sea lanes amid Heightened Tensions with Russia. Merchant ships in the Black Sea remain backlogged after a Russian patrol ship fired warning shots and then boarded a Palau-flagged Sukru Okan vessel on Sunday. Russia stated that the ship was fired upon after the captain failed to respond to a request to halt for an inspection. Kyiv has condemned the actions, calling them a “provocative”. At least 30 ships have dropped anchor around Musura Bay in the Black Sea, an additional 20 anchored leading up to the Ukrainian port of Izmail, and another 35 commercial ships waiting close to the Romanian port of Constanta. Many of the ships have reported destinations in Romanian ports. Reuters
30 Dead, 105 Injured after Fire Breaks out at Russian Gas Station. A fire at a gas station in the Dagestani regional capital of Makhachkala on Monday has left 30 people dead, including three children. Regional officials stated that the fire started at an auto repair shop on the roadside of a highway which quickly spread to a nearby gas station, triggering several explosions. The RIA news agency, citing Russian Deputy Health Minister Vladimir Fisenko, announced that the number of injured people rose to 105 with 10 in critical condition. Reuters Al Jazeera
Fierce Fighting in Ukrainian Counteroffensive. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar stated on Monday that there has been fierce fighting along its entire front line and “some success” in the southeastern front. The Ukrainian military has been able to push forward around the village of Staromaiorske, about 60 miles away from the Russian-held Donetsk. Regarding Staromaiorske, Mailar stated “there is some success on the southern and southeast axes in the vicinity of Staromaiorske”. Mailar commented that the lag in the Ukrainian counteroffensive were due to the use of aviation “...complete mining of the territory, cement fortifications of the key heights, and constant mortar and artillery shelling”. Reuters
Asia and Oceania
China opposes UN Security Council meeting on North Korea rights. China opposes a planned meeting by the United Nations Security Council on human rights abuses in North Korea. China claimed it will only “intensify confrontation and antagonism,” according to a spokesperson for China’s U.N. mission on Monday. The meeting was requested by the United States, Japan, and Albania and is scheduled for Tuesday. It will be the first public meeting of the council on the issue since 2017. China supported its stance on the matter adding that the council’s mandate was “maintenance of international peace and security, not human rights.” This comes amid news of Kim Jong Un calling for an increase in missile production as a response to South Korea and the United States gearing up for annual military drills. Reuters
North Korea's Kim Demands Factories "Exponentially Increase" Missile Production. North Korean state media KCNA said Monday that leader Kim Jong Un has ordered an increase in the manufacture of missiles to prepare for war and obtain "overwhelming military power,” as the US and South Korea prepare for annual military exercises. Kim reportedly demanded the expansion in production on Friday or Saturday while visiting vital munitions factories that build tactical missiles, armored vehicles, missile launch platforms, and artillery shells. Kim, who threatened that any enemy of North Korea would be “annihilated,” was quoted as saying, “the qualitative levels of war preparations depend on the development of the munitions industry, and the factory has a tremendous responsibility in accelerating our military's war preparations." Washington and Seoul said Monday that the Ulchi Freedom Guardian summer exercises will take place on August 21st-31st. Reuters
Man Arrested after Threatening to Blow up Airliner. A 45-year-old man has been arrested after threatening to blow up Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 from Sydney, Australia to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 199 passengers and 12 crew left early Monday afternoon from Sydney’s airport for an eight-hour flight, but returned after a half hour into the flight after the man reportedly began to act aggressively towards passengers. Tensions escalated once the man insinuated, he had explosives in his bag. After landing, the plane spent three hours on the tarmac before law enforcement proceeded to arrest him. The man has been charged with making a false statement about a threat to damage an aircraft and failing to comply with the cabin crew’s safety instructions. The charges carry a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of more than 15,000 Australian dollars ($7,300). Associated Press
Middle East and Northern Africa
Libyan clashes continue in Tripoli. Clashes continued into Tuesday in the Libyan capital of Tripoli in what has been described as the worst fighting this year. Flights to the city’s main airport have been suspended. Conflict broke out after the reported arrest at the airport of Mahmoud Hamza, leader of the 444 brigade that controls much of Tripoli. Local media reported that he was detained by the Special Deterrence Force. Reuters
Assets of Former Lebanese Chief of Interim Central Bank Frozen. Lebanon’s Special Investigation Commission announced Monday that Wassim Mansouri, the governor of the nation’s interim central bank, has frozen the accounts of the bank’s former head, Riad Salameh, and four other relatives and associates. This decision comes just days after the US, UK, and Canada imposed sanctions on them. Germany, France, and Luxembourg are also investigating Salameh, who served as central bank governor for 30 years, and Berlin and Paris issued Interpol notices on him for alleged financial crimes. The Lebanese judiciary has intervened, confiscating Salameh’s passports and imposing a travel ban. Salameh has denied all allegations of embezzlement, corruption, and illicit enrichment, despite being blamed for helping bring about Lebanon’s economic crisis. Salameh’s son Nady, whose bank accounts were frozen along with his father and uncle, has not responded to requests for comment. Associated Press Reuters
Gunman Opens Fire on Worshippers in Iran, killing one. A gunman opened fire on Sunday night at the Shah Cheragh shrine in the Iranian city of Shiraz, killing one and injuring eight others. Fars province governor Mohammad Hadi Imanieh told Iranian state media that there was one assailant who was later detained by security forces. No motive for the attack has been provided nor has any group claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack on Sunday night comes after an attack in October of 2022 on the same shrine left 13 people dead and dozens of other injured with the Islamic state claiming responsibility for the attack. Associated Press
Sub Saharan Africa
Niger Junta says it will Prosecute Deposed President for Treason. The Niger military junta that overthrew the country’s elected government last month says it plans on prosecuting President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and threatening state security due to his exchanges with foreign leaders and international organizations. According to Niger’s penal code, Bazoum could face the death penalty if convicted. Spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane said on state television Sunday that the junta has “gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute before competent national and international authorities the ousted president and his local and foreign accomplices.” The West African regional bloc ECOWAS on Monday denounced the charges of treason, describing it as a provocation. The US and UN have also condemned the move, accusing coup leaders of being unwilling to resolve the matter, with U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel saying, "this action is completely unwarranted and unjustified and, candidly, it will not contribute to a peaceful resolution of this crisis." Reuters Associated Press
U.S. Issues Business Advisory for South Sudan. The State Department on Monday released a business advisory for South Sudan, telling U.S. citizens and businesses to take on "robust due diligence" on human rights violations or abuses and corruption. In a statement, the department said, "the advisory highlights the growing reputational, financial, and legal risks to U.S. businesses and Americans conducting business or transactions with companies that have significant ties to South Sudan’s extended transitional government or that are controlled by family members of government officials." Reuters
Sudan General Accuses Rival Paramilitary Force Commander of War Crimes. In a rare, televised address, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s military, has accused the rival paramilitary forces of committing war crimes. This comes as both sides do not appear to be closer to finding a resolution. In his address, al-Burhan accused the Rapid Support Force (RSF) and its commander, General Hemedi, of committing violations under the falsehood of promising to restore democracy. “How can you bring about democracy by committing war crimes?” he said. Earlier this month, Amnesty International accused both sides of committing war crimes, including deliberate killings of civilians and mass sexual assault. The conflict has additionally morphed into ethnic violence in the western region of Darfur with the RSF and other militia allies targeting African communities, U.N. officials said. This comes as the nearly four month conflict has reduced the capital Khartoum, to an urban battlefield and more than 2.15 million people have fled the Khartoum state according to U.N. data. Al Jazeera
Cyber and Tech
Politico Profiles Def Con Outcomes for Pentagon, Hacker, Industry Participants. Among the developments Politico noted concerning the Def Con conference in Las Vegas was a Pentagon official’s skepticism about generative AI’s usefulness for units in the field. Craig Martell, head of the DoD’s Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (DAIO), questioned whether current large language models can reach “five nines” (99.999 percent) accuracy at a critical moment. Martell said that deployed units cannot be faced with AI tools experiencing a “hallucination,” leading to a system failure. He told Politico that AI vendors must be more rigorous about the actual capabilities of their products, adding that a newly created DoD task force will give the department insights into its own AI needs and recommendations on the conditions for military use of AI. Politico also noted the cybersecurity industry’s enthusiasm for AI’s potential in the sector. Heather Adkins, Google’s vice president of security, said AI-powered assistants will aid cybersecurity researchers with the task of processing vast amounts of data as they investigate security incidents, and could assist in the production of incident reports and code reviews. Adkins also talked about the growing collaboration among the hacking community, tech firms, and the government, noting “there’s long been a recognition that the community wants to help, and the government clearly needs it and private industry clearly needs it.” Michael Sellitto, Anthropic head of geopolitics and security policy, described how the Def Con and BlackHat events have substantially evolved over time, “from being something that was fairly fringe and maybe even frowned upon by law enforcement types to something that governments participate in a really significant way.” Politico
Generative AI Tests, ‘Red Teaming’ Likely To Surge After Def Con Hacking Exercise. In the wake of the Def Con hacker probe of generative AI's security vulnerabilities over the weekend, demand for additional testing, evaluation and “red teaming” is likely to experience a “ten-times” growth, Russell Kaplan, Scale AI engineering chief, told Axios. He added that government, industry, and academic representatives recognize AI’s enormous potential alongside “incredible responsibility for testing and evaluation." Almost 2,500 hackers gathered for Def Con’s AI Village's Generative Red Team Challenge to probe some of the most popular large language models. Teams and individuals were given well-defined tasks designed to elicit harmful, sensitive or false information from the large language models. The AI Village also hosted panel discussions, including presentations that detailed how easy it is to manipulate generative AI tools for malicious purposes. Rumman Chowdhury, one of the AI Village organizers, said that participating hackers found the challenges more difficult than they anticipated. He noted that the AI Village organizers will present the event's initial findings to the United Nations next month with the goal of bringing more countries into the AI security conversation. Axios
Ukraine Reports Attempted Russian Breach of Tablets Used in Starlink Communications. Ukraine’s State Security Service (SBU) reports that Russian intelligence agencies are targeting the Starlink satellite communications system with “custom hacking software.” The SBU provided details on a Russian military intelligence operation that attempted to deliver tailored malware that would enable monitoring of Starlink communications to track Ukrainian troop movements. SBU cyber experts said they discovered the malware on Ukrainian tablets that had been seized by the Russians and subsequently recovered by Ukrainian forces. The implanted malware bore “hallmarks” of the Sandworm hacking group and was one of five different types of information-stealing software found on the tablets. According to the SBU technical description, “the functional purpose is to gather data from the Starlink satellite system.” A researcher with Securework’s threat unit said, “if successful, this attack could have yielded extremely useful operational intelligence for Russian battlefield commanders, a goal undoubtedly on the GRU’s punch list.” The Telegraph
Microsoft Reveals Severe Vulnerabilities in Industrial Automation Software. Microsoft researchers have identified 16 new vulnerabilities in industrial automation software used around the world. Microsoft revealed the flaws affecting the CODESYS software in a presentation at the BlackHat security conference. Researcher Vladimir Eliezer Tokarev described the software as “a development system that connects to your smart devices and allows different logics to be executed on those devices.” He described it as a tool used by the process automation, energy, and transportation industries, among other sectors. The vulnerabilities uncovered by Microsoft are all above 7.5 on the CVSS severity scale, with the majority reaching 8.8 out of 10. The flaws potentially could allow all threat actors to enhance their access privileges, steal credentials, and trigger physical problems within a plant. Microsoft noted that “a successful attack has the potential to inflict great damage on targets,” with a single vulnerability impacting many sectors. Tokarev explained that “there are millions and millions of devices around the world that use CODESYS in different industries and sectors.” The software is most widely used in Europe, Asia, and Australia. TheRecord
Chinese Scientists Say Laser Cooling Breakthrough Extends Weapons Operations Indefinitely. A “huge breakthrough” in laser weapons technology has been announced by Chinese scientists who claim they have developed a cooling system that allows high-energy lasers to operate without waste heat buildup. Researchers at Changsha’s National University of Defence Technology report that the new cooling system allows high-energy lasers to operate indefinitely without interruption or degraded performance. The team led by laser weapon scientist Yuan Shengfu published their findings in Acta Optica Sinica, a Chinese-language peer-reviewed journal, describing it as “a huge breakthrough in improving the performance of high-energy laser systems.” According to the team study, the new cooling system uses advanced structures and optimized gas flow to remove heat from the laser weapon, while minimizing turbulence and vibration and improving mirror cleanliness. Potentially, the reported advance could extend engagement times, increase range, and damage, and reduce logistics and costs. South China Morning Post
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