RR The Wire 2130Z December 14, 2023

PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE RR

DTG: 213014Z DEC 23

ICOD: 203014Z DEC 23

CONTROLS: Public Release

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BLUF: CONGRESS PASSES EXTENSION OF FISA SECTION 702.

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-International Events-

Middle East: U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reports the interception of a distress call from a vessel reporting a boarding incident in the eastern Gulf of Aden. Many reports of irregular activity have been made over the past few weeks as Yemeni forces seek to continue the targeting of Israeli-affiliated shipping in the Red Sea.

South America: Despite little new information on the Guyana situation, tensions remain high in the region. Venezuela has issued a 90-day ultimatum to ExxonMobil for the cessation of all operations within the Stabroek Block oil field in the EEZ of Guyana. This ultimatum expires in March, 2024.

-Homefront-

USA: The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passes the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including the controversial extension of FISA Section 702. This $886 billion annual defense bill was passed immediately before Congress begins their vacation break for the holidays.

-Analyst Comments-

As threats to maritime shipping continue, the costs associated with commercial shipping will likely increase. Though the number of vessels being targeted in the Red Sea is small (considering this is one of the most highly trafficked waterways in the world), direct kinetic threats to shipping usually attract international attention. As such, most nations with the ability to project Naval power have quietly increased presence patrols in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

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Analyst: S2A

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