Pentagon fires top military planner over suspected leaks about Ukraine and Iran wars - AP
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior military planner at the Pentagon, amid allegations that he leaked classified information about the wars in Ukraine and Iran to the media, the Associated Press reported.
Sylvia headed strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position responsible for developing and coordinating military plans for the Joint Chiefs chairman and the president.
The Pentagon initially gave no reason for his dismissal. However, an official speaking on condition of anonymity later said Sylvia was under investigation for allegedly sharing classified information with journalists about the Iran war, Russia's war against Ukraine and other matters.
According to the official, Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations related to the suspected leaks.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department had taken "necessary personnel actions to safeguard sensitive information," without naming Sylvia. He added that the case had been referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.
Asked about the dismissal on October 29, US President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Sylvia as a woman, saying, "She's going to be in big trouble."
"We're looking very strongly for leakers," Trump added.
In an unusual move, the Joint Staff also withdrew a farewell statement issued after Sylvia's dismissal. The original message thanked him for 32 years of service and wished him well.
The statement was subsequently retracted because, according to the Joint Staff, it did not "appropriately reflect all the circumstances" following further review.
Sylvia's dismissal is the latest in a series of departures and removals of senior military officials under Hegseth.
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