Key social media accounts of the U.S. military command were briefly shut down following a cyber attack by apparent sympathizers of the Islamic State group.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the case, which U.S. officials have called an act of "cyber vandalism."
Hwang Sung-hee reports.
The U.S. Central Command′s Twitter and YouTube accounts were hacked by a group... claiming to be supporters of Islamic State militants.
The Command acknowledged that its social media accounts had been "compromised" and called it an act of "cyber vandalism", although it added... there had been "no operational impact."
Pro-Islamic State messages were plastered over the Command′s Twitter page.
A profile picture showed a figure in a black and white head scarf,... with the text "I love you ISIS."
One post read "American soldiers, we are coming, watch your back."
Other posts included the names and contact information of members of the U.S. military, as well as PowerPoint slides and maps.
Its YouTube page was also hacked,... with two video uploads appearing to be linked to the Islamic State.
The Command focuses on countries in the Middle East... and this hack comes as the U.S. and its coalition partners have been launching air strikes on Islamic State forces in Iraq and Syria.
The FBI is investigating the case,... and the White House is also looking into the matter.
"I can tell you that this is something that we′re obviously looking into and something that we take seriously."
And coincidence it may be,... but the hack happened as President Barack Obama was announcing new proposals aimed at bolstering cyber security.
Hwang Sung-hee, Arirang News.
