Pentagon Refers General for Criminal Prosecution Over Alleged Leaks to Media
The Pentagon said the removal followed an extensive leak probe and referred the case to the Justice Department for possible criminal action.
- On Thursday, United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate at the Joint Chiefs, for what the Pentagon says is severe misconduct.
- Pentagon officials accuse Sylvia of leaking classified information regarding the Iran war and the war between Russia and Ukraine, claiming he failed three polygraph tests during the investigation.
- A Defense Department official told Jazeera on Thursday that Sylvia was "meeting with journalists outside the Pentagon in order to leak classified information," while Sean Parnel stated the Department has "zero tolerance" for such disclosures.
- The investigation into Sylvia remains ongoing and has been referred to the Justice Department for further action, though there is currently no immediate replacement for the position.
- President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated new military operations against Iran and recently promised to "finish the job" in Iran following elections, contextualizing Sylvia's removal amid broader strategic shifts.
54 Articles
54 Articles
Hegseth Fires Senior General Responsible for Planning, Amid Leak Allegations
Then-Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia, outgoing commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), delivers a speech during the change of command ceremony in Fort Campbell, Ky., on May 30, 2025. (Staff Sgt. Kaden D. Pitt/U.S. Army)
Hagset fired Pentagon general over suspected data leak Brett Sylvia failed to pass three polygraphs on suspicion of passing secret data on the wars in <p>Iran and Ukraine. Materials Transmitted United States Department of Justice.</p>
UPDATE: President Trump Confirms Fired General Accused of Leaks is “Going to Have BIG Problems”
On Wednesday night, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth fired senior Pentagon strategist Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia amid an ongoing probe into leaks of classified information. Lt. Gen. Sylvia served as director of Strategy, Plans and Policy, which is also known inside the Joint Staff as the J5. With the White House currently deliberating another round...
Report: Hegseth Fires 'Top Military Planner' for Alleged Leaks of Classified Info
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth fired a lieutenant general earlier this week for allegedly leaking classified information related to the war with Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war, sources said.
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