By Sohaib Shams
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lt Gen Brett Sylvia, the director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, following allegations that he disclosed classified information, the Pentagon announced Thursday. The department said it has referred the alleged leak case to the Justice Department for criminal investigation.
Pentagon Refers Case to Justice Department
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the personnel action in a statement on social media, saying an extensive Air Force Office of Special Investigations probe led to the decision “to protect sensitive information.” Parnell did not name Sylvia but added that the matter, along with others, had been referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action.
Investigation and Polygraph Tests
A senior Pentagon official told Reuters that Sylvia failed three separate polygraph tests in which he was asked whether he had disclosed classified material. The official said the extent of the leaking was so critical that Hegseth took immediate action to protect national security. A colleague of Sylvia told the Washington Post that the general had consistently rejected accusations of leaking classified information, while acknowledging he had previously communicated with members of the press.
Context: Crackdown on Leaks Amid Iran War
Sylvia’s removal marks one of the most significant actions in Hegseth’s campaign to identify officials suspected of sharing information with journalists, as the unpopular US war on Iran enters its ninth month. In July, Hegseth announced a joint Pentagon-Justice Department task force to identify and prosecute unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information to the press. Last year, new media access restrictions prompted legal challenges and led dozens of journalists to surrender their press badges.
Journalists Sue Over Dismissals
In August, three journalists fired from the government-funded outlet Stars and Stripes sued the Pentagon in federal court, arguing their dismissals were illegal and violated their First Amendment rights.
