In a statement released by the Pentagon on Friday night, it was announced that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since Monday night at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The hospitalization was due to complications resulting from a recent elective medical procedure.

The Pentagon Press Secretary, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, confirmed that Secretary Austin was admitted to the hospital for complications following the procedure. Ryder also mentioned that Austin is recovering well and is expected to resume his full duties today. However, the defense secretary remains hospitalized at this time.

Details about the specific procedure performed on Austin were not disclosed, with a Defense Department spokesman simply referring to it as a "minor, elective procedure." No information was provided regarding the nature of the complications that required his hospitalization.

Officials reiterated that throughout Austin's hospitalization, the Deputy Secretary of Defense was prepared to assume his duties if necessary. The deputy defense secretary has been making routine decisions on Austin's behalf during this period.

When questioned about the delay in disclosing Austin's hospitalization, Ryder explained that it was due to an "evolving situation" and the need to consider medical and personal privacy issues. The Pentagon is now in a position to provide an update on Austin's condition.

It was revealed that prior to his hospitalization, Austin had authorized a drone strike in Baghdad, resulting in the death of the leader of an Iranian-backed militia. The U.S. holds the militia responsible for various attacks against American forces in Iraq and Syria.

As of now, there is no further information regarding Secretary Austin's condition or any potential timeline for his release from the hospital. The Pentagon has assured the public that his duties are being carried out by the deputy defense secretary in his absence.