Retired U.S. special forces veterans residing in Florida received a serious alert from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) regarding a credible terrorist threat. The notice, particularly aimed at those who served in Iraq and Syria, was disseminated quietly but has gained traction after being shared on social media.
The warning was reported by the New York Times, with Colonel Allie Scott, a USASOC spokesperson, affirming that such alerts are a standard procedure when intelligence indicates a threat to former service members. The nature of the threat and the identity of the group behind it remain undisclosed due to operational sensitivities; however, the alert typically indicates a risk of intentional harm, including acts like killing, serious injury, or kidnapping.
Colonel Mark A. Katz, the provost marshal, signed the warning and emphasized the need for vigilance among both retired and active-duty special operations personnel. The latter group was also advised to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. Florida, known for one of the largest veteran populations in the U.S., has become a home for thousands of retired elite military personnel, particularly those who served with the Tampa-based U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
SOCOM has played a pivotal role in missions against terrorist organizations, including ISIS and Al-Qaeda. Special forces have been engaged in covert operations, drone strikes, and counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Syria for decades, often in secrecy to mitigate the risks of retaliation. The Pentagon has acknowledged the ongoing concern that foreign terrorist groups or jihadist networks might seek revenge against American forces, including on U.S. soil.
Amid the heightened alert, Andrew Sullivan, executive director of No One Left Behind—a nonprofit aiding local allies from the War on Terror—voiced the urgent dangers faced by retired veterans in Florida. He highlighted the significant threat from jihadist networks connected to Syria, referring to the situation as "urgent and dire."
This latest development has intensified concerns in security circles about the capability and intent of extremist groups to target former U.S. military personnel. Military sources have advised that anyone connected to past special operations—including officers, contractors, or advisors—should maintain high alertness, emphasizing that the threat extends beyond active duty to those who served covertly.
For many veterans who fought in the shadows overseas, the risk does not conclude with their military service. The war against extremist retaliation continues to have an extensive reach, and U.S. Special Operations Command personnel in Tampa are advised to remain watchful. The alert underscores the enduring risks American military veterans face and draws attention to the ongoing challenges posed by foreign terrorist organizations targeting U.S. interests at home.
