Pentagon refers classified information leak case to Justice Department

By Ahmet Salih Alacaci

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Pentagon said Thursday it took personnel action after investigating the unauthorized disclosure of classified information and referred the case to the Justice Department for possible legal action.

"Following an extensive Air Force OSI investigation, the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on US social media platform X, referring to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

He said the matter, along with other cases, had been referred to the Justice Department.

Parnell did not identify the individual involved or provide details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

The statement came after US media reported Wednesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a top military strategist, from his post on the Joint Staff.

Sylvia headed the Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy, known as the J-5.

CBS News and Fox News reported Thursday, citing an unnamed Pentagon official, that Sylvia was accused of leaking classified information concerning the wars involving Iran and Ukraine to journalists.

"Classified information is not personal property. Leaking it for personal, political or professional gain is a betrayal of the trust placed in those responsible for keeping it," said Parnell.

Ahmet Salih Alacaci,Diyar Güldoğan