Hegseth removes general amid classified leak investigation

Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed from his Joint Staff post by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid an investigation into alleged leaks of classified information about Iran and Russia’s war in Ukraine. The allegations have not been established, and Sylvia has denied sharing classified material, according to officials cited in reporting on the investigation. A Department of War official said Sylvia failed three polygraph tests concerning alleged disclosures to journalists. The department’s spokesperson, Sean Parnell, said an extensive investigation led to personnel action to protect sensitive information and that the case, along with others, had been referred to the Justice Department for potential further action. The investigation remains ongoing. Two Pentagon sources cited by CBS said the accusations against Sylvia were untrue. Separately, two officials cited by The New York Times said Sylvia acknowledged knowing and speaking with at least one journalist but denied sharing sensitive or classified information. No public investigative finding in the supplied accounts establishes that he disclosed classified information. Sylvia served as director of strategy, plans and...