ALBAWABA - A Pentagon spokesperson announced that the Defense Secretary of the United States Lloyd Austin is in critical care "for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue".
American media outlets reported that late Sunday night, Austin's doctors at Walter Reed said he had been admitted to the critical care unit.
The Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder revealed in a statement that "at approximately 4:55 pm today" Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks has taken over the functions and duties of the office of the Secretary of Defense.
He said: "The Deputy Secretary of Defense has assumed the functions and duties. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified," ABC News reported on Monday.
It is worth mentioning that the US defense secretary underwent in December a minimally invasive surgical procedure for prostate cancer. The surgery led to a urinary tract infection and serious intestinal complications, according to sources.
Austin was taken to the hospital again on Jan. 1, but the White House didn't learn of it for three days.
"At this time, it is not clear how long Secretary Austin will remain hospitalized. The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent. Updates on the Secretary’s condition will be provided as soon as possible," Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnut said in a statement.
