The intelligence division of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has publicly called on citizens across the Middle East to report the locations of US military personnel, according to statements carried by Iran's Tasnim News Agency. The IRGC claimed thousands of American troops are staying in hotels and private accommodations throughout the region. The statement described this as an "Islamic duty" and provided a Telegram channel for submitting intelligence.
The appeal represents an escalation in Iran's information warfare tactics amid ongoing regional tensions with the United States. Iran accused Washington of using "Arab brothers as human shields" by positioning troops in civilian areas. The IRGC warned local populations to avoid sheltering American personnel and stay away from their locations to prevent becoming collateral damage.
The statement did not specify exact numbers of US personnel or their precise locations across the Middle East. Iran maintains proxy forces and intelligence networks throughout Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. The US currently has approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, primarily focused on counter-ISIS operations and regional stability missions.
The public intelligence gathering effort could complicate US military operations and force adjustments to personnel security protocols across the region. American forces may need to relocate from civilian accommodations to more secure military facilities. The appeal also signals Iran's intent to leverage popular sentiment against US presence while potentially preparing for future military actions.