US Government investigators have administered polygraph tests to about 50 members of the military’s Joint Staff as part of an investigation into leaks to journalists concerning the Iran war and dwindling American stocks of munitions, The New York Times reported.
The tests, conducted in August, targeted military officers and civilian employees who were asked if they had leaked classified information to the press. According to the newspaper, investigators were particularly interested in reports of shortages of key weapons, such as Patriot air defence interceptors and long-range missiles.
The Joint Staff is a group of about 1,500-2,000 officers and officials who advise the president and coordinate military operations. But officials quoted by CBS News called the scope of the testing highly unusual.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department would not discuss internal personnel or investigative matters but takes leaks of classified information seriously.
“The department does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes all leaks of classified national security information extremely seriously and investigates accordingly,” Parnell said.
The question came after a series of media reports about the pace at which the United States has been depleting its stockpile of advanced munitions in its war with Iran. Officials also have expressed fears that the disclosures could pose national security risks.
