US officials warn of heightened threats in United States
The Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory June 22 warning Americans cyber attacks are likely, and violence in the homeland is possible.
Homeland Security officials are warning Americans of heightened threats in the United States after the attacks on Iran.
The Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory June 22 saying attacks from low-level cyber 'hacktivists' are likely, and larger attacks could follow if Iranian leaders issue a religious ruling 'calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland.'
The agency said Iran has a longstanding commitment to strike American government officials following the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, but the attacks on Iran will likely amplify that commitment.
In addition, officials said they could trigger more anti-Semitic attacks in the U.S.
'Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks,' the advisory issued at noon ET said.
The United States struck three nuclear facilities in Iran in a stealth bombing raid that began June 21. Using so-called bunker-buster bombs for the first time in such a military operation, B-2 bombers were used in the mission targeting Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
The attack, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," involved more than 125 warplanes, submarines and surface warships, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.
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