Iran is continuously targeting US military bases in the Middle East. To conceal information regarding the extent of damage inflicted on these bases in such attacks, the United States is planning to collect mobile phones from its soldiers, according to a Reuters report citing relevant sources.

Admiral Brad Cooper, a top commander at US Central Command (CENTCOM), has warned that videos captured on mobile phones and shared online by soldiers could help Iran target US bases. Sources indicate that a directive requiring soldiers to surrender their mobile phones may be issued soon.

The report states that imposing restrictions on mobile phone usage will create a new reality for thousands of US troops stationed in the region, as many soldiers rely heavily on mobile phones to maintain regular contact with family members and loved ones.

Earlier, Admiral Brad Cooper stated in a confidential letter that Iran is able to evaluate the success or failure of its attacks almost immediately by analyzing media reports and online posts. The letter also mentioned feedback, photos, and video footage obtained from US soldiers' mobile phones.

Written yesterday, Cooper's letter noted that service members and civilians are paying with their lives for such freely available intelligence. Reuters has obtained a copy of the letter.

Two related sources stated that the move to ban mobile phone use has been initiated for troops stationed at bases in Jordan, which are frequently targeted by Iranian attacks. This could take effect very soon.

A third source indicated that such measures are being considered across the entire region due to operational security concerns. However, the decision to confiscate soldiers' mobile phones has not yet been finalized.

Regarding the matter, US Central Command spokesperson Captain Timothy Hawkins said the directive has been issued purely in the interest of maintaining operational security for service members. It is part of an overarching security protocol.

A video posted online this month showed US troops scrambling for cover during a lethal Iranian attack on July 17 at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The video was recorded by a US service member.

Cooper noted in the letter that the footage was captured using the camera of a Meta smart glass. The soldier subsequently posted the video on Instagram, showing where and how he sought shelter in a bunker during the Iranian missile and drone attack.

He stated that had such information not been published, it would have been difficult for Iran to determine whether their attacks were successful or failed, as the US military's electronic jamming and other warfare tactics are capable of obscuring the actual outcomes of attacks.

He further wrote that Iran is able to learn whether the missiles they fired landed 50 meters off target, hit an empty runway, or struck a populated facility. Detailed information on attack sites, damages, and analyses published in the media essentially serves as a free battle damage assessment (BDA) for Iran.

In the conflict with Iran that began on February 28, approximately 18 US service members have been killed and over 600 injured. These casualties have heightened public concern in the US over a war supported by only about one in three Americans.

Mobile Phones Being Taken Away?

Officials say that regulations regarding mobile phone usage for deployed troops may vary across different branches. Many soldiers may be required to store their mobile phones in locked locations, particularly in the case of sensitive missions.

US officials have long maintained that specific applications on mobile devices, especially fitness apps, collect location data that adversaries can use for targeting.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has maintained a cautious stance on the release of information for security reasons. The agency frequently refrains from releasing specific details regarding Iranian attack claims or incidents involving US casualties.

Cooper stated that publishing detailed attack information helps Iran plan subsequent strikes. He warned that making such information public allows Iranian forces to launch quicker and more devastating secondary attacks.
Source: Reuters