More than 50 military intelligence analysts have said their conclusions about battling terrorists in Syria and Iraq were altered by U.S. Central Command officials to exaggerate successes against groups such as the Islamic State.

Members of Congress revealed recently they will investigate the allegations. If they are accurate – and the number of analysts making them adds weight – the reports are more than a scandal. They are an indication high officials in the military, possibly prodded by President Barack Obama’s administration, are more interested in saving face than in defeating the terrorists.

No doubt the White House will insist the congressional investigation is nothing but politics. It is more, however. It is about keeping faith with the American people about government’s top responsibility – keeping us safe.

Lawmakers involved in the probe should pull out all the stops to get the facts, and get them quickly. Anyone involved in such manipulation of intelligence should be punished severely.

Americans have our own way of gauging how well the battle against terrorism is going. Unfortunately, it is in the amount of blood shed in places such as San Bernardino.