23/03/2026
Share:
23/03/2026
Share:
TEHRAN, (AP)Mar 23: Israel’s use of hacked Iranian street cameras in the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei underscores the growing role of surveillance systems as tools for targeting in modern warfare.
Hundreds of millions of internet-connected cameras—often poorly secured—are installed worldwide, from shops to homes to public streets, providing vast amounts of data. Advanced artificial intelligence now allows militaries and intelligence agencies to sift through this data to identify high-value targets.
According to interviews and a review by the Associated Press of leaked information, public statements, and media reports, Israel reportedly located Khamenei on February 28 using these compromised systems, despite repeated Iranian warnings about security breaches.
An intelligence official familiar with the operation and another briefed on it confirmed to AP that hacked surveillance cameras were used alongside other intelligence methods in the strike. Both sources spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss the operation publicly.
This incident highlights the strategic vulnerabilities posed by connected surveillance technology and the increasing use of digital intelligence in high-stakes military operations.
