Retired U.S. special forces veterans living in Florida have been alerted about a credible terrorist threat targeting them, according to a notice from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).
This warning was quietly sent to former senior military personnel who served in Iraq and Syria, with particular focus on those now residing in Florida.
Officials have not disclosed the identity of the terrorist group or its country of origin.
However, the threat was deemed serious enough to trigger a “duty to warn” notification. The alert has since been shared on social media, drawing public attention.
Colonel Allie Scott, a spokesperson for USASOC, told the New York Times that such alerts are not unusual.
They are issued when credible intelligence suggests retired service members may be at risk. She declined to share further details due to operational sensitivities.
The warnings typically arise when there is evidence of potential intentional harm such as killing, serious injury, or kidnapping.
The decision to alert those at risk is weighed against the potential consequences of issuing a warning, per the Daily Mail.
This specific threat does not extend to active-duty special operations personnel. However, current troops were advised to stay vigilant both on and off military bases and to report any suspicious activities immediately.
The warning was signed by Colonel Mark A. Katz, the provost marshal, who urged active-duty personnel to inform retired colleagues living in Florida about the threat. He emphasized the importance of vigilance among both current and former service members.
Florida hosts one of the largest veteran populations in the United States, with thousands of retired elite military personnel living in the state. Many of these veterans settled there after serving with the Tampa-based U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
SOCOM in Tampa has been central to missions against terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. For decades, U.S. special forces have conducted covert raids, drone strikes, and counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Syria, often operating in secrecy due to risks of retaliation.
The Pentagon has acknowledged the possibility that foreign terrorist groups or jihadist networks could seek revenge against American forces, including on U.S. soil. This concern has been ongoing for years.
Andrew Sullivan, executive director of No One Left Behind—a nonprofit aiding local allies from the War on Terror—warned that retired veterans in Florida face urgent dangers. He highlighted the strength of the terrorist threat stemming from Syria.
Sullivan posted on social media that the risk to retired American veterans in Florida is due to their past service in Iraq and Syria. He described the threat as “urgent and dire,” underscoring the ongoing risks from jihadist networks.
The exact nature of this recent threat remains unclear. However, the warning has heightened concerns in security circles about extremist groups’ capability and intent to target former U.S. military personnel.
Military sources have cautioned that anyone connected to past special operations—whether officers, contractors, or retired advisors—should maintain high alertness. The threat extends beyond active duty and includes those who served covertly.
The situation serves as a reminder that for many who fought in the shadows overseas, the danger may persist long after their service ends. The war against extremist retaliation appears to have an ongoing reach.
U.S. Special Operations Command personnel based in Tampa continue to be advised to remain watchful. The alert encourages all service members and veterans to report suspicious behavior to authorities promptly.
This development underscores the enduring risks faced by American military veterans and highlights the ongoing challenges posed by foreign terrorist organizations targeting U.S. interests at home.
