New Delhi, April 3 -- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff Randy George, three US defense officials told Reuters on Thursday. The development came as Hegseth move to reshape Pentagon leadership amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Reports now claim that General Christopher LaNeve will serve as the acting Army chief.

According to Reuters, the Pentagon confirmed that George, who had more than a year left in his term, "will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately."

The department did not give a reason for George's departure, which comes as the US military builds up its forces in the Middle East while carrying out operations against Iran.

In a statement, the...