Source: Pentagon chief of staff 'forced out' by WH

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Kevin Sweeney, chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Defense, announced Saturday his resignation from the post. CNN reported that a knowledgeable source said the White House forced Sweeney out but did not provide further information about the reason.

Sweeney has become the third senior staff member to quit following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria.

Screenshot of the U.S. Department of Defense

"After two years in the Pentagon, I've decided the time is right to return to the private sector. It has been an honor to serve again alongside the men and women of the Department of Defense," Sweeney said in a statement.

Screenshot of Patrick Shanahan's twitter posts

"I greatly appreciate Kevin Sweeney's service to our nation, first as a Navy officer of more than 30 years, and then as the Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Defense for the past two years. As he steps down to reenter the private sector, we're going to miss him here in the Pentagon. We know great things are in store for him and his family," acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan tweeted on Sunday.

Sweeney's departure comes after former secretary of defense Jim Mattis stepped down last month.

Mattis, who worked with Sweeney when he led the U.S. Central Command, picked Sweeney to be his chief of staff in early 2017. Sweeney retired as a rear admiral from the U.S. Navy in 2014.

Sweeney is the latest senior official to leave the Pentagon. Earlier this week, Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White announced her departure.

(Cover: File photo of Kevin Sweeney /VCG Photo)

(With inputs from Xinhua News agency)