US Commander Warns Troops Their Videos Aid Iran's Targeting

Key facts

• Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, warned troops that cellphone videos shared online benefit Iran's targeting capabilities.
• Cooper stated that open-source intelligence derived from troop cellphones could lead to casualties among American service members and civilians.
• A specific instance cited involved a video from Meta smart glasses showing troop movements during an Iranian attack.
• News outlets publishing details of strike damage are effectively providing Iran with battle damage assessments.
• Some U.S. troops in Jordan may have their phones confiscated due to operational security concerns.
• The U.S. military has historically cautioned that mobile device applications can be exploited for targeting purposes.

The top U.S. commander for the Middle East has warned troops that cellphone videos shared online can aid Iran in targeting American bases, according to sources. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, stated in a letter that such open-source intelligence could lead to casualties among U.S. service members and civilians.

Cooper cited an instance where a video captured on Meta smart glasses showed soldiers evacuating to a bunker during an Iranian missile and drone attack. He explained that news reports detailing the success or failure of strikes, often aided by troop footage, effectively perform Iran's battle damage assessments for them. This information allows Iran to potentially mount follow-up attacks.

In response to these operational security concerns, some U.S. troops stationed in Jordan have been informed that their phones may be confiscated in the coming days. While a third source indicated such a move is being considered, it is not yet a certainty. U.S. officials have previously warned about the exploitation of mobile device applications, such as fitness apps, for targeting purposes due to location data.

Captain Timothy Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, described Cooper's message as a general reminder to service members about the importance of maintaining operational security.