Against Houthi rebels: Pentagon chief oversaw military strike from hospital

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According to his ministry, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (70) directed and monitored the military attack by the US and allies against the Houthi rebels in Yemen from the hospital.

Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said Friday that Austin ordered the U.S. Regional Command for the Middle East (Centcom) to carry out the attacks and monitor them in real time from the hospital room through secure communications channels. He then conducted an initial assessment of the attacks together with the commander responsible and US President Joe Biden.

The head of the Pentagon announced on Tuesday that he had prostate cancer. Since the beginning of this year, he has been in the Walter Reed military hospital in Bethesda, near Washington, due to complications from a procedure. Meanwhile, the 70-year-old had to be treated in intensive care. Austin was criticized for initially keeping his cancer and his hospital stay a secret.

Biden supports Austin

Ryder emphasized Friday that Austin was “actively involved in monitoring and directing last night’s attacks.” Austin also observed the Houthi rebels’ major attack on Tuesday and monitored the response of Operation Prosperity Guardian. Over the past two days, he has held several conversations to discuss possible responses, including with the president.

Biden confirmed on Friday that he wanted to remain with his secretary of defense. Asked by reporters if he still had confidence in Austin, Biden replied: “Yes, I do.” When asked whether it was an error of judgment on Austin’s part not to initially inform the president about the hospital stay and diagnosis, Biden also responded in the affirmative. The White House had already expressed clear criticism of the Pentagon chief’s information policy. (SDA)

Source: Blick