Iranian hacker group 'Khanzala' commander Panjaki confirmed killed in targeted strike

Yehia Hosseini Panjaki, commander of the Iranian cyber group Khanzala, was killed in a targeted strike (apparently Israeli) during the recent conflict in Iran, according to a source affiliated with IRGC intelligence. The same source publicly confirmed for the first time that Panjaki led the group, which had exfiltrated data from cellphones of senior Israeli officials including former PM Naftali Bennett, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and Shin Bet official Tzachi Braverman.

The targeted killing of Yehia Hosseini Panjaki, the commander of the Iranian hacker group Khanzala, has been confirmed by a source affiliated with IRGC intelligence. The same source, speaking via an Iranian outlet, publicly acknowledged for the first time that Panjaki led the group — a designation previously implied but not officially confirmed, as The Zioneer reported at 08:48. Panjaki was killed during the recent war in Iran, apparently by an Israeli strike.

Khanzala operates primarily against Israeli targets. Over recent months, the group exfiltrated data from the cellphones of senior Israeli officials, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and Shin Bet official Tzachi Braverman. The group has previously claimed responsibility for disrupting US military strikes and has been linked to Iran's IRGC cyber apparatus.

The confirmation of Panjaki's death and his role marks a development in understanding the structure and operations of Iranian cyber units targeting Israel. The specific circumstances of the strike and the full extent of the data exfiltration remain unverified.

4 developments

1. 15 minutes ago · 10:50 · 25 JunLatest

   Panjaki identified as deputy chief of internal security at Iran's intelligence ministry.

2. 09:05 · 25 Jun

   IRGC-affiliated source confirms Panjaki led group that hacked senior Israeli officials

3. 08:48 · 25 Jun

   Commander identified as Yehia Hosseini Panjaki; IRGC intelligence source confirms his role.

• Strong01:42 · 11 JunIranian hacker group Khanzala claims it disrupted US military strike waves electronically
• Strong16:52 · 9 JunIsraeli citizen charged with security tasks for Iranian intelligence
• Developing14:03 · 8 JunIran International: contact cut with Supreme Leader Khamenei since last night, Tehran's missile attack on Israel reportedly launched without his coordination
• Developing4 days ago · 23:23 · 20 JunIran accuses Mossad of assassinating its 'AI father'

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