A second top CIA official is to retire from his post, less than a day after the surprise resignation of the agency's director George Tenet. James Pavitt, deputy director for operations, is said to have made the decision some weeks ago.
The departures come as the agency is braced for reports expected to criticise its conduct in the run-up to the 9/11 attacks and the war in Iraq.
The CIA says Mr Pavitt's decision was unconnected with Mr Tenet's departure.
But analysts say the move will mean more upheaval at a critical time for the agency.
