Hackers commandeer IDF Twitter, send false tweet warning of nuclear leak

Military confirms social networking account was compromised, apologizes for false tweets; IDF vows to fight against cyber terrorism.

The tweet posted on the IDF's official English-language twitter account after being hacked. (photo credit: screenshot)
The tweet posted on the IDF's official English-language twitter account after being hacked.
(photo credit: screenshot)
The IDF Spokesperson's English-language Twitter account was hacked late Thursday night leading to the false publication of a tweet warning of a "Possible nuclear leak in the region after 2 rockets hit Dimona nuclear facility [sic]."
Fake Twitter message published during hacking of the IDF's social networking account.
Fake Twitter message published during hacking of the IDF's social networking account.
The potentially nerve-raising tweet was quickly noticed and removed by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit as tensions remained high in Israel at the tail-end of a day during which scores of Gaza rockets pounded the South, although none hit the nuclear research facility located deep in the Negev.
The IDF confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that it's Twitter account had been compromised.
A military spokeswoman said the IDF was dealing with the issue.
Following the incident, the IDF apologized on the social networking platform for the incorrect tweets, vowing to fight against cyber terrorism to prevent further such situations.

The pro-Assad Syrian Electronic Army computer hackers group took responsibility for the hack.

The group took to its own Twitter, posting its claim along with a screen shot of the fraudulent tweet.
"The whole 'Israeli army' propaganda was hacked by the Syrian Electronic Army," read a tweet on the hacktivists' account.