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US applies polygraph tests to Armed Forces after leaks

The Pentagon is investigating leaks of classified information about ammunition stockpiles. About 50 military and civilian personnel underwent polygraph tests, a rare measure. The low stock levels worry authorities and irritated President Donald Trump.

EUA fazem teste de polígrafo nas Forças Armadas após vazamentos
O secretário de Defesa dos EUA, Pete Hegseth, discursa durante uma reunião informativa sobre a guerra com o Irã, no Pentágono — Foto: REUTERS/Nathan Howard
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The Pentagon subjected about 50 members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Forças Armadas dos Estados Unidos to polygraph tests during an investigation into leaks of information to journalists. The revelation was made by The New York Times on Friday.

According to the report, military and civilian officials were asked about the possible transfer of classified information to the press. Investigators also asked if they had released data on the loss in the stockpiles of ammunition of the Estados Unidos.

Investigation seeks to identify those responsible for leaks

Sources heard by the newspaper said the investigation seeks to identify who would have provided journalists with information considered confidential about the situation of the ammunition stockpiles. The New York Times reported that the tests represent an unusual measure within the Pentagon.

According to the newspaper, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff brings together between 1,500 and 2,000 military and civilian officials. The application of the polygraph in such a large group signals the severity with which the Department of Defense handles the case.

Pentagon Spokesman Refuses to Comment

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Defense Department did not comment on internal issues related to staff or investigations. The default response does not clarify the details of the count or the progress of the work.

The lack of official information keeps open the scope of the investigation and the possible consequences for those involved. The secrecy surrounding the case is common in internal national security inquiries.

Ammunition stockpiles cause concern

The Estados Unidos used a significant portion of missiles employed in attack and defense operations, according to information obtained by Reuters and a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published in August.

The reduction in stocks raised concerns about the country’s responsiveness in possible future conflicts. According to Reuters, the US used “virtually all” of its stockpile of long-range precision missiles during the war against Iran.

President angry with numbers

According to The Washington Post, the stock loss angered Estados Unidos president Donald Trump, who charged War Secretary Pete Hegseth for the numbers. Sources told the newspaper that the president would have felt mistaken to know the actual situation of the stockpiles.

The presidential dissatisfaction adds political pressure on the Pentagon, which already faces questions about the country’s military readiness. The wear and tear can influence future decisions about budget and defense priorities.

Expert points to strategic vulnerability

In an interview with g1 in August, Paulo Roberto da Silva Gomes Filho, a master in Military Sciences, explained that the reduction could represent a problem for the Estados Unidos, especially in relation to interceptor missiles, responsible for repelling attacks.

"This is a fundamental capability, because these missiles are the only ones capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, so it is a fairly large vulnerability," he said. The declaration reinforces the strategic impact of the arms shortage.

The case is still under investigation, and new information may emerge as the Pentagon advances in its investigations. Follow the Boca no Trombone for updates on the topic.

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