US Issues Lone-Wolf and Cyberattack Alert Amid Operation Epic Fury Strikes on Iran

The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning about possible lone-wolf and cyberattacks in the country amid ongoing US military strikes in Iran, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by ABC News.

"Although a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland, and will almost certainly escalate retaliatory actions--or calls to action--if reports of the Ayatollah's death are confirmed," the bulletin read as quoted by ABC News.

The bulletin noted that physical attacks in the US by individuals motivated by Iran are rare.

"Lone offenders in the Homeland have not historically been motivated by issues related to Iran, the IRGC, or Shia violent extremism; however, the existential threat to the Iranian regime and increased US or Israeli actions could prompt some US-based violent extremists or hate crime perpetrators to attack targets perceived to be Jewish, pro-Israel, or linked to the US government or military," it added, as quoted by ABC News.

Did the Austin Shooting Raise Concerns of a Terror Nexus Amid the Operation Epic Fury Alert?

The alert was issued on Saturday, a day before a mass shooting in a bar in Austin, Texas, where at least three people were killed and 14 others were injured.

According to ABC News, authorities are investigating whether the suspect, who was reportedly wearing a sweatshirt with "Property of Allah" and a shirt featuring "Iran" and the Iranian flag, was inspired by the overseas situation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation into the mass shooting, and according to officials, there were indicators on the suspect and in his vehicle suggesting a "potential nexus to terrorism".

The US Central Command in a post on X, confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is participating in the operation alongside US forces, launching aircraft from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The United States used an array of weapons in the strikes conducted against Iran as a part of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday which included artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, according to a report by Reuters.

Why Did the Pentagon Use Anthropic AI Tools During Operation Epic Fury Strikes on Iran?

The Pentagon used artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, including its Claude tools, during its attack on Iran, Reuters reported on Sunday citing a source familiar with the situation.

The use of Anthropic comes shortly after the US had declared it as a supply chain risk and threat to national security.

As per Reuters it could not determine how the tools were used in the war effort, and Pentagon and Anthropic did not immediately return a request for comment.

The report further mentioned that the United States deployed its B-2 stealth bombers from the US to strike at hardened, underground Iranian missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs.

Washington had deployed the stealth bomber last year as well during its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

How Did Operation Epic Fury Use LUCAS and Shahed-Modelled Drones in Strikes on Iran?

Reuters mentioned that the US military said it used suicide drones that appear identical, based on photos released by the Pentagon, to the new LUCAS Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System manufactured by Phoenix, Arizona-based Spektreworks, however, the company did not respond to requests for comment.

In a first, CENTCOM also used one-way attack drones modelled after Iran's Shahed drones, the Pentagon said.

US Central Command also released photographs and video footage which showcased F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets being used in the strikes on Iran.

On Monday morning the US Central Command shared more visuals in a post on X from Op Epic Fury, noting that "strikes continue".

It shared a list of weapons and the types of targets struck in the first 24 hours of the operation in a post on X.

Also on Monday morning, the Israeli Air Force said that the IDF continues to strike targets of the Iranian terror regime in waves of extensive attacks in Iran.

It added, "The Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, has now launched another wave of strikes targeting the Iranian terror regime's assets in the heart of Tehran."

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched a joint missile strike titled Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes, alongside his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law.

(With inputs from ANI)