Iran-Linked Hackers Leak Data of 2,379 U.S. Marines

A hacker group linked to Iran claimed responsibility on Tuesday for leaking the personal details of 2,379 U.S. Marines deployed in the Persian Gulf region, heightening concerns about military cybersecurity amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The group, known as Handala, published names, phone numbers, and other identifying information on its Telegram channel, describing the release as a "limited demonstration" of its surveillance capabilities. In accompanying statements, Handala asserted possession of additional data on the service members' families, home addresses, daily routines, bases, shopping habits, and off-duty activities. The group warned of further disclosures, including information on U.S. Navy personnel, and framed the breach as proof that American military security is an "empty illusion."

The data dump followed threatening WhatsApp messages sent on Monday to U.S. troops in the region, including personnel in Bahrain, home to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The messages stated, "Your identities are fully known to our missile units, and every move you make is under our surveillance. Very soon, you will be targeted by our Shahed drones and Kheibar and Ghadeer...