World News | US Defense Secy Austin Hospitalised with Bladder Issue, 'retaining Functions' of Office

Washington, Feb 12 (AP) US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalised on Sunday following symptoms pointing to an "emergent bladder issue", the Pentagon says.

In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2.20 pm. He "is retaining the functions and duties of his office", said Pentagon press secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder, but added that the deputy defense secretary has been notified and is prepared to assume Austin's duties "if required".

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The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and some members of Congress.

Ryder said Austin travelled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job. (AP)

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(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)