Media: Iran-linked hacker group claims breach of California water systems PHOTO

A Tehran-linked hacker group has claimed responsibility for breaching systems connected to water infrastructure in California, describing the alleged cyber operation as retaliation for US actions in Iran.

The group, identified as Hanzala, said on June 11 that it had accessed systems linked to California’s water infrastructure in response to a US attack on Iranian civilians and water facilities, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

In a statement, the group said it had deliberately avoided disrupting water supplies to US cities, characterising the incident as a warning to Washington.

“The group said it had gained access to systems linked to California’s water infrastructure but had deliberately refrained from disrupting water supplies to American cities, describing the operation as a ‘warning’ to Washington," the statement said. 

Hanzala also warned that any further action against Iran would be met with retaliatory measures targeting critical infrastructure.

Screenshots released by the group appear to show access to a network management interface listing locations in several California cities, including Bakersfield, Chico, Salinas and Stockton. However, the images have not been independently verified and do not confirm the extent of the group’s access or any capability to disrupt water services.

Earlier, US Central Command said it was investigating reports that US strikes may have hit a water facility in southern Iran, following Iranian claims that an attack had left 20,000 civilians without access to fresh water.

"We're aware of the reports and are looking into them," CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins told CBS News.

By Sabina Mammadli