Hegseth Dismisses Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia Amid Leak Probe

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia amid an investigation into alleged leaks of classified information, removing a senior Pentagon military planner from his role.

The inquiry involves suspected disclosure of classified details tied to U.S. operations in Iran and Ukraine. A Department of War official said Sylvia was suspected of leaking the material. The official also said Sylvia had failed multiple polygraph tests; the case has been referred to the Justice Department.

The investigation remains ongoing. No successor to Sylvia was named, leaving the Pentagon military planning post without a publicly identified replacement while the inquiry proceeds. The allegations have not been accompanied by a publicly substantiated criminal finding against Sylvia.

The referral brings the Justice Department into the case while the Pentagon’s senior planning role remains unfilled. The investigation and the question of who will take over Sylvia’s role remain unresolved.