//The Wire//1830Z April 3, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: EARTHQUAKE STRIKES TAIWAN. DPRK TESTS NEW MISSILE.//

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-International Events-

Taiwan: Several earthquakes struck the island yesterday, causing widespread damage. The most substantial earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.2, the largest recorded earthquake to strike the nation since 1999. Many of the nation’s roads have been destroyed due to mudslides, and many people have been reported missing. So far, the death toll has reached 9 fatalities, with around 1000 people injured. Up to 70 coal miners also reportedly became trapped in their mines as the earthquake hit. Almost immediately after the earthquake, Chinese PLA forces launched significant military operations in the Taiwan Strait, with 30 aircraft and 9 vessels being detected by ROC forces. AC: This was almost certainly to test the reaction time and capabilities of ROC forces during a crisis. Though China likely does not intend to invade Taiwan at this time, this disaster provided a valuable intelligence collection opportunity for China.

DPRK: Last night, North Korea successfully tested their new IRBM, the Hwasongpo-16B. The missile allegedly has a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) and the missile successfully splashed down in the Sea of Japan.

Middle East: Israeli forces struck a convoy of the World Central Kitchen, allegedly targeting a Hamas fighter that was allegedly part of the convoy. 7 aid workers were killed in three separate strikes on the convoy. The World Central Kitchen was operating in an alleged ceasefire area, was traveling in marked vehicles identifiable from the air, and had deconflicted their movement with the IDF. Israel has stated that the attack was a mistake. AC: Following the strikes, the WCK has suspended all operations in Gaza. The World Central Kitchen was the second largest supplier of food aid to Gaza (after the UN). Almost 200 aid workers have been killed in airstrikes since this conflict began.

-HomeFront-

USA: Preparations for the April 8th solar eclipse continue as more regions declare states of emergency prior to the event. AC: The preparations for this event have caused many to wonder why this event is assessed to cause so many issues. Celestially, there are zero reasons as to why cellular outages, food and fuel shortages, or other catastrophic events should occur. Of course, many small towns throughout the United States will be overwhelmed with tourists and event participants, and local resources will likely be strained or oversaturated. However the lengths local authorities have gone to in order to prepare for this event have raised concerns. Severe weather conditions, which have the potential to harm life and limb have not resulted in as much preparation as this event has caused throughout the United States.

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Analyst Comments: Last week, Russia vetoed the renewal of a UN continuing resolution to monitor DPRK’s adherence to sanctions with regards to their missile program. As the DPRK and Russia have become closer diplomatically following the war in Ukraine, it is likely that this relationship will grow stronger. Consequently, much more substantial development of North Korea’s missile program is likely over the next few years.

Analyst: S2A1

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