New York: The US government suspects that strategic information on the war against Iran is being passed on to some sections of the media.
As part of an investigation into leaks to journalists, around 50 personnel working with the US Military’s Joint Staff have been made to undergo polygraph examinations, the New York Times reported, citing officials briefed on the matter.
The disclosures reportedly included details about shortages of key munitions resulting from the Iran war.
Military officers as well as civilian staff were questioned about whether they had shared classified information with members of the media. They were also asked whether details on reduced US munitions stocks were disclosed.
The lie detector tests were conducted in August after a series of media reports highlighted shortages of critical weapons, including long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors.
The Pentagon “does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes all leaks of classified national security information extremely seriously and investigates accordingly,” spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement, NYT reported.
“Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world,” he added.
The Joint Staff has between 1,500 and 2,000 officers and officials working for it.