/images/ppid_59c68470-image-179329752635096787.webp)
What is the story about?
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, a senior military planner on the Pentagon's Joint Staff, over allegations that he leaked classified information to the public, officials said on Thursday.
Sylvia's dismissal is among the highest-profile actions so far in Hegseth's sweeping investigation into suspected leaks to the news media, as the unpopular Iran war enters its ninth month.
The investigation includes a Pentagon task force tasked with identifying the sources of leaks and the use of polygraph tests on senior officials. Last year, Hegseth introduced a media policy that raised legal concerns among press organisations and revoked the press credentials of journalists who refused to sign it.
A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, accused Sylvia of failing three polygraph tests conducted as part of the investigation into alleged leaks of classified information.
"The extent of his leaking became so critical that Secretary Hegseth took immediate action and fired Sylvia in order to protect national security. Urgent action was needed and could not wait another second," the official said.
US President Donald Trump, who mistakenly referred to Sylvia as a woman, said the senior military officer had "got problems".
"We're very much looking for leakers, and she's going to have big problems, long-term problems," Trump told reporters.
Sylvia could not immediately be reached for comment.
Key position on Joint Staff
Sylvia headed the Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy at the Joint Staff, known within the military as J5. The role involves helping advise General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the country's highest-ranking military officer.
Sylvia previously led the US Army's 101st Airborne Division. His dismissal was first reported by The Atlantic magazine.
His removal comes as the US military prepares for the possibility of renewed intensive bombing in Iran. Trump has referred to a potential resumption of strikes as "another little Epic Fury".
The Pentagon has expressed concern about leaks during the conflict, including information about military planning and ammunition expenditure.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that an internal US military analysis estimated that replenishing weapons used against Iran so far would cost more than $29 billion in munitions alone. That would account for the bulk of the more than $47 billion spent on military operations in the war.
Pentagon refers case to Justice Department
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, said Sylvia's dismissal followed an extensive investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
"This matter, along with others, have been referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action," Parnell said, without identifying other officials who might also be under investigation.
"Our commitment was not an empty promise. We vowed to find you, and we meant it," he added.
A Joint Staff spokesperson withdrew an earlier statement expressing gratitude for Sylvia's 32 years of service, saying it had been determined that the statement did not appropriately reflect the full circumstances.
"Out of respect for the service member and the ongoing personnel process, we will not comment further," the spokesperson said.
Sylvia's dismissal is among the highest-profile actions so far in Hegseth's sweeping investigation into suspected leaks to the news media, as the unpopular Iran war enters its ninth month.
The investigation includes a Pentagon task force tasked with identifying the sources of leaks and the use of polygraph tests on senior officials. Last year, Hegseth introduced a media policy that raised legal concerns among press organisations and revoked the press credentials of journalists who refused to sign it.
A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, accused Sylvia of failing three polygraph tests conducted as part of the investigation into alleged leaks of classified information.
"The extent of his leaking became so critical that Secretary Hegseth took immediate action and fired Sylvia in order to protect national security. Urgent action was needed and could not wait another second," the official said.
US President Donald Trump, who mistakenly referred to Sylvia as a woman, said the senior military officer had "got problems".
"We're very much looking for leakers, and she's going to have big problems, long-term problems," Trump told reporters.
Sylvia could not immediately be reached for comment.
Key position on Joint Staff
Sylvia headed the Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy at the Joint Staff, known within the military as J5. The role involves helping advise General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the country's highest-ranking military officer.
Sylvia previously led the US Army's 101st Airborne Division. His dismissal was first reported by The Atlantic magazine.
His removal comes as the US military prepares for the possibility of renewed intensive bombing in Iran. Trump has referred to a potential resumption of strikes as "another little Epic Fury".
The Pentagon has expressed concern about leaks during the conflict, including information about military planning and ammunition expenditure.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that an internal US military analysis estimated that replenishing weapons used against Iran so far would cost more than $29 billion in munitions alone. That would account for the bulk of the more than $47 billion spent on military operations in the war.
Pentagon refers case to Justice Department
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, said Sylvia's dismissal followed an extensive investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
"This matter, along with others, have been referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action," Parnell said, without identifying other officials who might also be under investigation.
"Our commitment was not an empty promise. We vowed to find you, and we meant it," he added.
A Joint Staff spokesperson withdrew an earlier statement expressing gratitude for Sylvia's 32 years of service, saying it had been determined that the statement did not appropriately reflect the full circumstances.
"Out of respect for the service member and the ongoing personnel process, we will not comment further," the spokesperson said.
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-179324253272550394.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-179318510692910790.webp)
