US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel 'Stepping Down'

file picture dated 05 September 2014 shows US President Barak Obama (R) and US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel (L) attending the NATO Summit 2014 at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Chuck Hagel is to resign as US Defense Secretary, according to reports of US media outlets.

Information from the New York Times suggests a shift in Washington's military strategy against the Sunni extremists from Islamic State (IS) will result in Hagel's decision to step down, which has been taken "under pressure".

Reportedly, he has already submitted his resignation.

An official announcement of US President Barack Obama should be expected later on Monday, NY Times has claimed.

"The next couple of years will demand a different kind of focus," an administration official is quoted as saying, referring to US response to major security issues.

Hagel took over the Pentagon from Leon Panetta shortly after Obama's second presidential term in office began in 2013.  

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