US fires top military planner in latest ouster: reports

The United States has fired a top military planner, US media reported, in a surprise shake-up as President Donald Trump appears to be preparing to resume large-scale strikes against Iran. Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia was removed from his role as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, US outlets reported Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. A spokesperson for the Joint Staff, a top Pentagon body that handles planning and other issues, initially issued a statement that appeared to confirm Sylvia’s departure but later withdrew it, saying: “Out of respect for the…