CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper issues operational security warning to U.S. troops after battle damage images circulate online

WASHINGTON — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper has issued a new internal warning to American troops emphasizing operational security (OPSEC) after numerous photos and videos reportedly showing U.S. battle damage circulated online, according to The Washington Post.

In the internal message, Cooper stressed that the “top priority is the well-being and protection of over 50,000 American service members” deployed across the region. The warning urges personnel to remain vigilant about the sharing of sensitive information that could jeopardize military operations or troop safety.

The reported directive comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows the widespread circulation of images allegedly depicting damage involving U.S. military assets. CENTCOM has not publicly released additional details regarding the internal guidance.