A cyber group known as Handala, believed to have links to Iran, has claimed it released personal information of US Marines deployed in the Persian Gulf. In a post on its Telegram channel, the group said it had published the names and details of 2,379 personnel, per NDTV.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the hackers shared identifying information on Telegram, presenting the leak as evidence of their "surveillance capabilities". The disclosure has raised questions about the safety of personnel operating in sensitive regions.
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Threat messages and deeper access claims
Iraq-based Shafaq News reported that US personnel stationed in the region received threatening messages on WhatsApp. These messages warned that they were being watched and could be targeted.
The group also claimed access to more extensive data. This allegedly includes family information, home addresses and even insights into daily routines and troop movements. It further indicated that additional disclosures may follow, suggesting the breach could be ongoing.
Pentagon begins investigation
The incident has triggered concern within the US defence establishment. Officials are assessing the scale of the breach and the potential risks tied to exposing identities and locations of military personnel.
Investigators are expected to examine how the data may have been accessed and whether other systems were compromised. The focus remains on understanding both the source and the extent of the breach.
Previous claim involving FBI director
Handala had earlier claimed responsibility for another high-profile breach. The group said it accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account and later shared photographs and what it described as his resume online.
On its website, the hacker group Handala Hack Team stated Patel "will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims."
Tensions in the backdrop
The reported cyber activity comes amid strained relations between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump recently addressed the situation on Truth Social, stating, "Iran has just informed us that they are in a 'State of Collapse.' They want us to 'Open the Hormuz Strait,' as soon as possible."
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In another post, he added, "Iran can't get their act together. They don't know how to sign a non nuclear deal. They better get smart soon!"
The episode underlines how cyber operations are increasingly shaping geopolitical tensions. Incidents involving data exposure, digital surveillance, and targeted messaging are becoming more prominent, alongside traditional military and diplomatic channels.
