RR The Wire 2200Z January 01, 2024

PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE RR

DTG: 220001Z JAN 24

ICOD: 210001Z JAN 24

CONTROLS: Public Release

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BLUF: EARTHQUAKES IN JAPAN CAUSE WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. YEMENI ATTACK BOATS SUNK IN RED SEA.

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-International Events-

Pacific: Over two dozen earthquakes shook the western prefectures of Japan this morning. Some of these earthquakes reached an estimated magnitude of 7.5-7.6, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation notices for much of Japan’s west coast. So far, the tsunami threat has appeared to be low, with waves only reaching a few feet higher than normal tides.

Red Sea/HOA: Yemeni attacks on commercial shipping and U.S. Navy vessels intensifies. Yesterday the Maersk-owned M/V HANGZHOU reported being struck with a cruise missile. Following the attack, the vessel was attacked by Yemeni forces in four small boats. The embarked security team was successful in repelling boarders. Helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and the USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress calls from the HANGZHOU, and were fired upon by the occupants of the attacking vessels. U.S. forces returned fire, killing the crew and sinking three of the four attacking vessels.

Middle East: Attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria intensify in response to the war in Gaza. Various types of weapons have been employed in these recent attacks, ranging from conventional Indirect Fire (IDF) weapons such as rockets and mortars to advanced kamikaze drones. AC: Word on the severity of these attacks is hard to come by as CENTCOM has not been entirely forthcoming with damage reports, for obvious Operational Security (OPSEC) reasons. However, as more sophisticated (and larger) munitions begin to be used in significant numbers, the threats posed to most U.S. military bases in the Middle East will remain elevated.

Europe: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has unexpectedly announced that she will abdicate the throne in January, passing on the seat of monarchy to her son Crown Prince Frederik (who will become King Frederik X).

Analyst Comments:

Crown Prince Frederik has established himself as one of Denmark’s leading advocates on climate issues. Queen Margrethe has enjoyed the highest popularity of any monarch in Europe during the last several decades (second only, perhaps, to Queen Elizabeth II). Conversely, Crown Prince Frederik has not enjoyed the widespread support of the Danish people, possessing none of the diplomatic qualities of his mother. This sharp contrast in personalities and leadership style, at a time when Europe is desperate for any form of half-way decent leadership, combined with the surprising circumstances of the abdication, will likely leave yet another nation in Europe on shaky ground moving into the new year.

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Analyst: S2A

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