Wednesday 30 September 2026 07:30 UTC
Pentagon Database Breach Exposes Millions of Records
A breach of a Pentagon personnel database exposed Social Security numbers and employment details for 2.76 million living people and 294,000 dead people, a US defence official said. Unauthorised access lasted from October 2025 until officials found and fixed the weakness in July 2026. The database covers military personnel, civilian staff, contractors, veterans, retirees and relatives.
A tanker believed to be Kuwaiti-owned was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a delayed report received by Britain’s maritime security agency. The strike caused a fire, but the crew was safe and no environmental damage was reported. Iran’s rial meanwhile fell to a record low, exceeding 2.5 million to the US dollar. Talks through Qatari and Pakistani mediators remained focused on reopening the strait, with Iran saying its conditions had not changed.
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Four Russian guided bombs struck central Sumy, hitting a school during classes and nearby homes. Children and teachers sheltered before 100 people were evacuated. Ukraine said two people died and six were injured, including three children. Belgium agreed to provide Ukraine with three F-16 fighters by the end of the year and has already supplied urgent ammunition for the aircraft.
Estonia formally accused Russian intelligence of ordering an August 15 arson attack that damaged defence company Milrem Robotics in Tallinn. Suspects have been arrested, and Estonia said it would summon Russia’s senior diplomat in the country. Separately, the Pentagon awarded Boeing more than $20 billion to develop the US Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation strike fighter, intended to begin replacing Super Hornet and Growler aircraft in the 2030s.