House committee chairman: Security leaks not likely from Pentagon

The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee says he doesn't believe recent national security leaks came from the Pentagon.

Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon commented Thursday after his committee held a closed-door hearing with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and two other top Pentagon officials.

McKeon won't say where he believes the leaks came from. But he told reporters that the defense officials assured the committee they are taking action to limit leaks on operations that affect national security. He says the Department of Defense is taking the issue seriously.

He says Panetta, joint chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey and chief Pentagon counsel Jeh Johnson all agreed that recent leaks damaged the nation. McKean added that those participating in special operations in the field have been placed at risk.