Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Apr 30: Amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, an Iranian-linked cyber group has reportedly leaked personal details of thousands of US military personnel and officials deployed in the Middle East, triggering security concerns in Washington.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the cyberattack was carried out by a group identified as ‘Handala’ (also referred to as ‘Hanzala’). The group allegedly released sensitive information of around 2,379 US servicemen, including names and home addresses, claiming it as proof of its surveillance capabilities.

The same group had earlier claimed responsibility for hacking into the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel last month. In a message posted online at the time, the group mocked US security agencies, stating that the FBI was “just a name” with no real protection behind it.

Following the latest breach, the Pentagon has launched an investigation to determine how the systems were compromised and assess the extent of the data leak. Officials are said to be examining vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by the hackers.

The incident comes at a time when tensions between the US and Iran have sharply escalated. Washington has intensified pressure on Tehran, including imposing a blockade on Iranian ports, in an effort to push for a new peace agreement and curb its nuclear ambitions.

Former US President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran must abandon its nuclear programme, asserting that the country cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. He also defended the blockade strategy, calling it more effective than direct military action.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the US has not ruled out limited military strikes, described as “short and powerful,” against Iran. Tehran has warned of an “unprecedented” response in case of any such action, further heightening fears of conflict in the region.