A hacking group linked to the Iranian government has issued deadly threats to US Marines in the Middle East after leaking their personal information. Handala Hack Team, which is associated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, has been responsible for dozens of cyberattacks since December 2023.
Leaked Data and Threats
On its Telegram channel, the group wrote: ‘Today, merely as a demonstration, and to prove the extent of our intelligence superiority, we have published the full personal details of 2,379 U.S. Marines stationed in the Persian Gulf region. This is just a drop in the ocean of our surveillance capabilities. The “security” that American commanders boast about is nothing more than an empty illusion, a childish fantasy.’
The message also claimed to possess ‘detailed information’ about the Marines’ families, home addresses, bases, shopping habits, and ‘nightly activities’.
Ominous Warnings
‘This exposure is just a minor warning. When zero hour arrives, Kheibar missiles and Shahed drones will rain down not only on those who participated in the crimes of Minab and Gaza, but on every invader who clings to the delusion of immunity,’ the group added. ‘Today, we released this limited list so you could feel a glimpse of our true power; Tomorrow, the entire roster may haunt your every night.’
Metro has contacted the US Marine Corps for a statement. The threatening message referenced the deadly strikes on a primary school in Minab, Iran, during the early days of the conflict. Minab Girl’s Primary School in the southern province of Hormozgan was struck as Trump launched his ‘combat military operation’, killing 175 children. Experts cited satellite image analysis and said the school was likely hit amid a quick succession of bombs dropped on the compound.
Ongoing Cyber Campaign
Iran has continued to issue deadly threats to US servicemen and women in the Middle East as the conflict persists. Last month, the hacking group published personal emails and pictures of the head of the FBI after hacking into his accounts. The group wrote: ‘Kash Patel, the current head of the FBI, who once saw his name displayed with pride on the agency’s headquarters, will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims. The so-called ‘impenetrable’ systems of the FBI were brought to their knees within hours by our team.’
Many of the hacked records shared were from more than a decade ago. Leaked photos included one of Mr Patel smoking a cigar and another of the FBI boss standing next to a vintage sports car.
