The U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has issued a serious warning about a credible terrorist threat targeting retired senior Defense Department officials who previously served in Iraq and Syria and now reside in Florida, according to a spokesperson for the command.
The internal security bulletin—authored by USASOC Provost Marshal Col. Mark A. Katz and authenticated by command spokesperson Lt. Col. Allie Scott—was confirmed Friday and has since been widely circulated on social media under the official “Duty to Warn” directive.
“It’s a credible threat,” Lt. Col. Scott told Task & Purpose. “We issued that warning, as we do with all credible threats… because, of course, the security and safety of all our personnel is important.”
While USASOC is notifying affected individuals directly, officials are not releasing specific names or additional identifying information out of an abundance of caution. Scott did not elaborate on what triggered the warning, only stating that the information received was credible enough to prompt official action.
The advisory does not suggest active-duty operators are being targeted but urges all special operations personnel—past and present—to stay alert and report anything suspicious to law enforcement.
Personnel have also been asked to spread the word to retired teammates, particularly those who live in Florida.
The Sunshine State is home to several high-value military installations, including:
- U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base
- U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters in Miami
These commands have played a central role in the U.S. fight against ISIS since 2014, when a broad military coalition formed to dismantle the terrorist group’s grip on Iraq and Syria. Just earlier this year, the U.S. confirmed the killing of ISIS’s second-in-command in western Iraq—a direct result of special operations activity in the region.
The exact nature of the current threat remains classified, but it likely stems from ongoing anti-Western sentiment tied to U.S. counterterror operations.
This isn’t the first time veterans or retired personnel have been potential targets. The “Duty to Warn” protocol exists precisely for this reason—to alert individuals to threats that may arise as a consequence of their military service.
Bottom line: If you’re a retired special operator living in Florida—or you know someone who is—check in with them. Pass the message along. Stay situationally aware, trust your gut, and don’t hesitate to report anything off.
Stay safe, stay sharp.
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