Hegseth reportedly fires high-ranking army strategist over alleged leaks

Pentagon officials have removed Lt Gen Brett Sylvia from his position as a high-ranking army strategist, citing allegations that he disclosed classified information to the public. The Pentagon reported that it had referred the alleged leak case to the Justice Department for a potential criminal investigation, emphasizing that Sylvia's removal was necessary to safeguard sensitive information.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the dismissal in a social media statement, without naming Sylvia directly. "Following an extensive Air Force OSI investigation, the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information," Parnell stated.

The move by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is part of a broader effort to identify officials suspected of sharing information with journalists, as the conflict in Iran enters its ninth month. In July, Hegseth announced the formation of a joint taskforce between the Pentagon and the US Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute instances of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information to the press.

According to a senior Pentagon official, Sylvia had failed three separate polygraph tests, which probed whether he had disclosed classified material. The official stated that the extent of Sylvia's leaking was deemed critical enough to warrant immediate action and Sylvia's dismissal to ensure national security. However, Sylvia's colleague contradicted the official's account, stating that the general had consistently denied the allegations of leaking classified information, while also admitting to prior communication with members of the press.

In August, three reporters fired by the Pentagon from the government-funded news outlet Stars and Stripes filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming their dismissals violated their First Amendment rights to free speech.