Why are photos of special force operators that are in combat faces blacked out ?

Identities of Special Forces Operatives, as well as many other operatives in the clandestine community, are a closely guarded secret in order to maintain operational secrecy. Basically, if the terrorists knew who the SF guys are it makes "undercover" work a little more difficult. Identities are also protected in order to protect against possible retaliatory attacks against SF operatives and their families.