RR The Wire 2330Z December 13, 2023

PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE RR

DTG: 233013Z DEC 23

ICOD: 223013Z DEC 23

CONTROLS: Public Release

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BLUF: THREATS TO SHIPPING CONTINUE IN THE RED SEA.

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-International Events-

Middle East: The United Nations General Assembly votes in favor of the implementation of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. AC: Like most matters within the field of international diplomacy, these resolutions have no real power. However, as the final vote was 153 nations for, and 10 nations against (with 23 abstentions) this is a good indicator of international sentiment regarding the current conflict in Gaza.

In the Red Sea, Yemeni forces attacked the M/V STRINDA with a cruise missile. Initial reporting indicates the vessel was traveling IVO the Bab el Mandeb Strait at the time of the strike. AC: Though Norwegian flagged, this chemical tanker was scheduled to make a port call in Israel next month. This comes on the heels of the French frigate LANGUEDOC (D653) reporting the interception of two Yemeni drones attempting to target her in the same area four days ago.

Europe: A report by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy indicates that much of the critical infrastructure throughout the United Kingdom is exceptionally vulnerable to cyberattacks. AC: This comes as no surprise as cyberattack threats remain constant throughout most of the western world.

-Homefront-

USA: The U.S. sends an additional $200 million to Ukraine. Today, the Dow Jones industrial average closed at an all-time high of 37,090. The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ finished the day with similar highs.

-Analyst Comments-

Economic pundits are claiming these numbers are the result of the Federal Reserve signaling rate cuts next year. However, exercising caution would be wise when assessing risk in highly-manipulated financial markets.

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Analyst: S2A

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