Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Hospitalized Amid Middle East Tensions

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized, including spending four days in the intensive care unit, according to two senior administration officials.

Delayed Notification: The Pentagon did not inform senior officials in the White House’s National Security Council of Austin’s hospitalization until three days after he arrived at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Unable to Perform Duties: Austin has been unable to perform his duties since New Year’s Day, but resumed his full duties on Friday evening.

Hospitalization Details: Details about Austin’s condition have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear when he will be released.

Reason for Hospitalization: Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for “complications following a recent elective medical procedure.”

Deputy Secretary of Defense Assumption of Duties: Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks has assumed Austin’s duties while he is hospitalized.

Deputy Secretary’s Availability: Hicks, who was on pre-scheduled leave, has maintained full communication with the DOD staff and monitored day-to-day operations.

Acting Position: The office of the under secretary of defense for policy is temporarily occupied by Sasha Baker, as nominee Derek Chollet has not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Privacy Concerns: The Pentagon has cited personal privacy concerns as one of the factors for keeping Austin’s hospitalization secret.

Current Tensions: Amid Austin’s hospitalization, the U.S. has conducted a strike against an Iranian-backed militia member, American bases have been attacked, and potential options to strike Houthi militants are being considered.

New Developments in the Region: The tension in the region is centered around the Israel-Hamas war, with incidents involving the U.S. Navy and Houthi militants in the Red Sea.

Concerns of Regional Entanglement: The U.S. is also cautious of further involvement as Iran-backed Hezbollah militants exchange munitions with Israel along its northern border.