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According to the Pentagon, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (70) is back in hospital. At 2:20 p.m. (local time), his security detail took him to a military clinic near Washington with symptoms of an acute bladder problem, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said Sunday afternoon. The White House and Congress have already been notified. This is before Austin has a tough week with a lot of travel, American media report.
“The minister currently retains the functions and duties of his office,” the statement said. However, his deputy Kathleen H. Hicks is prepared to take over the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense in case of doubt. Austin carries the necessary communication tools to perform his duties from the hospital. We will inform you about his condition as soon as possible.
Will Austin stay in office?
Austin only returned to work at the Pentagon in late January after a lengthy illness. At the beginning of the year, he was heavily criticized for keeping secret his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalization following complications from a procedure. Even US President Joe Biden did not know for several days that his minister was in hospital – but later confirmed that he wanted to stay with him. Austin was released from the hospital on January 15 and did not initially work from the Pentagon.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, after non-melanoma skin cancer. In the initial phase, the chances of recovery are generally good. The prostate (prostate gland) is a walnut-sized organ that surrounds the base of the urethra in men. (SDA/kes)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
