A hacker group allegedly linked to Iran has claimed a major data breach involving U.S. Marines deployed in the Persian Gulf, raising fresh concerns over military cybersecurity and operational security.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the group named “Handala,” which is said to have ties to Iran, claimed on Tuesday that it released the personal data of 2,379 U.S. Marines deployed in the Persian Gulf.
In a message on its Telegram channel, the group said it had published the names and other identifying details of military personnel, presenting it as proof of its “surveillance capabilities.”
According to Iraqi media outlet Shafaq News, U.S. personnel stationed in the region also received threatening messages on WhatsApp warning them that they were being monitored and could be targeted.
The hacker group further claimed it possesses additional sensitive information, including details of service members’ families, home addresses, daily routines, and military movements, suggesting that more revelations could follow.
Following the incident, serious concern has emerged within U.S. defense institutions, as exposure of military identities and locations could increase security risks. Authorities are now assessing the extent of the data breach and its potential impact on operational security.
Investigations are also underway to determine how the hackers obtained the information and whether other systems may have been compromised.
The same group had previously claimed to have hacked the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel last month, allegedly publishing his photos and résumé online.
It is worth noting that U.S. President Donald Trump recently said that Iran was reaching out under pressure and discussing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
