Two top Army generals have added their support to President Barack Obama’s legal efforts to stop the release of more photos depicting detainee abuse at the hands of U.S. personnel.

Both Central Command head Gen. David Petraeus and Multi-National Force—Iraq commander Gen. Ray Odierno have filed statements in the ongoing court battle saying that release of the images would increase risk to American troops and damage regional security.

"Militant and extremist groups would use these images to foment anti-U.S. sentiment and to incite demonstrators to conduct deliberate attacks against U.S. targets, as well as western Non-Governmental Organization facilities and personnel," Petreaus wrote in a 13-page filing.

In addition, the release of new photos would "negatively affect the ongoing efforts by Pakistan to counter its internal extremist threat."

Odierno, who is the top U.S. commander in Iraq, was also pointed in his comments, raising the specter of more attacks on American troops by their Iraqi allies.

"Incidents of spontaneous violence against U.S. forces, possibly including attacks from outraged Iraqi police or army members, are likely. This could weaken our partnership with the Iraqi security forces, decrease security and lead to more violence," Odierno wrote.

In response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, a federal court on April 27 ordered the release of the photographs. The Pentagon had been set to release "hundreds" more photos, which reportedly depict a wide range of mistreatment and abuse.

After first agreeing to release the photos, Obama changed his mind and ordered the Justice Department to challenge the ruling. The White House cited additional risk for U.S. troops if the photos are released.

The move drew criticism from some of Obama’s liberal supporters, but has also drawn support in other areas.

While little is known about what, exactly, the photos show, the U.S. military this week denied a British media report that they included images of U.S. personnel raping detainees.

But, in his filing, Odierno said "the photos will likely cause a very public and emotional response in Iraq and in the larger Arab world because the images may touch on a number of deep-rooted Arab cultural values that will resonate with the Iraqi public."

"This could be a destabilizing event for the [Iraqi] prime minister and his government."

Portions of the statements by Petraeus and Odierno were redacted because they were classified as secret, officials said.