U.S. Central Command is considering confiscating cell phones from troops in the Middle East, after its commander Admiral Brad Cooper sent a letter warning that soldiers' social media posts enable Iran to assess the accuracy of its strikes and plan follow-up attacks. Cooper cited a video posted to Instagram this month showing troops running to a bunker during the July 17 attack on Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, filmed with Meta smart glasses. Soldiers in Jordan have been told they may be required to surrender their devices in the coming days, though no final decision has been reached.
The Zioneer reported Wednesday that CENTCOM was weighing the confiscation of cell phones from troops in the Middle East over fears that social media posts provide Iran with real-time intelligence. Now, new details from a letter sent by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper to troops reveal the specific concerns driving the move.
In the letter, dated July 28, Cooper warned that due to electronic disruptions and protective measures, Iran struggles to determine whether its missiles and drones struck their targets. Soldiers' videos and photos, he said, allow Iran to conduct damage assessments 'without effort' and could trigger a 'more deadly' wave of follow-up attacks. Cooper pointed to a specific example: an Instagram video posted this month showing US troops running to a bunker during the July 17 attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, recorded with Meta smart glasses.
The Zioneer also reported Wednesday that Cooper had warned in a separate statement that detailed public disclosures could provide an 'immediate green light' for a secondary Iranian strike. As a result, troops stationed in Jordan have already been notified that they may be required to surrender their devices in the coming days. Military officials confirmed the matter is under review but said no final decision has been made regarding all forces in the region.
2 developments
- DevelopingUS Admiral warns troops' online videos help Iran target American bases
- DevelopingCENTCOM commander Cooper expected to visit Lebanon this week, report says
- DevelopingFinancial Times: Gulf intelligence suspects Iran tracked US forces via cell phone data
- DevelopingReport: CENTCOM commander says strikes on Iran to reduce launches, offset interceptor shortage
Source and signal
- Open-source intake