A second senior official of the US Central Intelligence Agency is expected to announce his retirement.
It comes less than a day after the surprise resignation of George Tenet, the agency's Director.
James Pavitt is the CIA's Deputy Director of Operations.
A spokesman for the CIA said Mr Pavitt's decision was unrelated to the departure of Mr Tenet.
Mr Pavitt had decided to leave the agency before Mr Tenet made his surprise announcement yesterday.
- Morning Ireland: Jeff McAllister of Time Magazine says the resignation comes ahead of the strong criticism the CIA is expected to get from the 11 September Commission and the Senate Intelligence Committee
- Morning Ireland: Listen to CIA director George Tenet making an emotional farewell speech in Washington yesterday
- 1 News: Watch the video
