Pentagon chief sacks senior aide

The Pentagon on Thursday said that US Defense Secretary Ash Carter removed senior military aide Lieutenant General Ron Lewis from his position.

The decision was reportedly taken after Carter discovered "allegations of misconduct."

However, the details of the case are unclear, with defense officials declining to provide specifics of Lewis' alleged actions.

Lewis served as a trusted adviser to Carter for years, including as his military assistant when the Pentagon chief was defense undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics.

He also accompanied Carter on his Asia trip last week, which witnessed the US military official visit a warship as it journeyed through the contested South China Sea.

'No exception'

Carter referred Lewis' case to the Defense Department's inspector general to investigate the matter, after which the US Army will decide whether to take action.

"I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department, particularly from those serving in the most senior positions," Carter said in a brief statement.

"There is no exception," Carter added.

White House security

Meanwhile, state authorities arrested a US Secret Service agent for soliciting sex from a minor after he sent nude photographs to a Delaware state police officer posing as a 14-year-old girl.

According to a criminal complaint, 37-year-old Lee Robert Moore requested to meet the uncover officer in person in order to perform intercourse, adding that the agent initiated communication in August.

Moore also admitted to engaging in pornographic online chats while on duty at the White House.

The US Secret Service is charged with protecting the president.

ls/jm (Reuters, AP)