The United States' top military strategy planner has been removed from his position in an unexpected leadership shake-up as President Donald Trump appears poised to resume large-scale military strikes against Iran.
The Atlantic reported that Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia was relieved of his duties as head of strategy, plans and policy at the Joint Chiefs of Staff earlier this week, citing unnamed officials in the US Department of Defense.
His removal would mark the latest high-profile departure within the US military since Trump returned to the White House about a year ago.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said last month that the administration had reduced the number of American generals and admirals by 20 per cent, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen accountability within the military.
Hegseth indicated that the cuts were intended to remove officers who did not support his push to refocus the armed forces on combat readiness rather than what he described as the “woke” policies of previous administrations. He characterised the reduction in senior military leadership as an “accomplishment”.
However, The Atlantic reported that no official explanation had been provided for Sylvia’s removal, while the Pentagon had yet to announce a successor.
Trump fires top military planner as US weighs fresh Iran strikes