The Pentagon has disclosed that the US Defense Secretary has been hospitalized since January 1 due to medical issues

He Defense Secretary From the United States, Lloyd AustinAccording to a report this Friday by an Air Force major general, he has been hospitalized since January 1 due to complications that arose after a minor medical procedure. Pat RyderPress Secretary The Pentagon.

Ryder noted that it was still unclear when Austin would be discharged, but assured that the secretary was “recovering well and hopes to resume his activities today.”

The Pentagon’s lack of early disclosure of Austin’s hospitalization has fueled controversy, as it is against standard practice with other senior US and Cabinet officials, including the president.

This Pentagon Press Assoc Already sent a letter of protest to Ryder Chris MeagherThe Undersecretary of Defense for Public Affairs expressed concern about the lack of transparency in communications about the secretary’s health.

“The fact that he was in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center The Pentagon Press Association said in its letter that for four days and as late as Friday afternoon, the Pentagon is warning the public that it is a scam.

“The public has a right to know when members of the US Cabinet are hospitalized, under anesthesia, or when they are assigned duties as a result of a medical procedure,” he added.

Ryder explained that due to medical and privacy concerns, the department decided not to make Austin’s absence public or provide further details about it. health condition or a medical procedure you’ve had.

At all times, the Under Secretary of Defense, Kathleen Hickswas willing to act on Austin’s behalf and exercise her authority if necessary, Ryder said in a statement.

Hospitalization of Secretary of Rescue It comes at a time when tensions are running high Middle East As a result of the war between Israel and Hamas, Iranian-backed forces in Yemen attack sea lanes while others in Iraq and Syria attack US troops with rockets and drones.

A senior defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to say what procedure Austin went through or what complications followed.

On Thursday, the United States carried out a strike that killed an Iranian-backed commander Baghdad whom the military accused of taking part in bombings against US forces, angering the Iraqi government.

Austin, 70, is right behind the president Joe Biden In the chain of command US Army and plays a central role in numerous military challenges in which the United States is involved around the world.

(With information from The Associated Press and AFP)