Sweden has accused Iran of orchestrating a cyberattack that sent thousands of text messages urging revenge over Quran burnings in 2023.
Kabul 24: Swedish authorities reported that approximately 15,000 text messages were dispatched by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, targeting individuals in Sweden. The messages called for retaliation against those involved in the Quran burnings, which had sparked significant outrage among Muslim communities.
Investigation Findings
Senior prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist stated that investigations by Sweden’s domestic security agency, SAPO, revealed the Iranian state was behind the operation. They hacked a Swedish SMS service to disseminate these messages, which were attributed to a group named “Anzu team” and aimed to escalate societal tensions.
Context and Reactions
This incident occurred during a sensitive period as Sweden sought NATO membership amidst growing tensions over freedom of speech and religious sensitivities. The Swedish government raised its terror threat level shortly after the messages were sent, reflecting heightened concerns about public safety and foreign interference.
