Austin's leadership from the hospital room is the latest in a series of moves the defense secretary has made from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he is recovering from complications from prostate cancer treatment.
Mr Austin revealed he had prostate cancer on Tuesday – the same day the Houthi rebels launched their most intense attack to date, with 18 drones and missiles targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. That attack set the stage for the US military operation on Thursday.
Mr. Austin is now on his 12th day in the hospital at Walter Reed and the Pentagon has not yet said when he will be released.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Photo: AP
President Joe Biden said Friday that it was a mistake for Austin to keep his hospitalization and prostate cancer diagnosis secret, but said he still had confidence in the Pentagon chief.
Defense Secretary Austin turned his office into a secure communications room. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Friday that Austin called top military leaders, spoke with the president, weighed options and then ordered the strike.
Austin's hospital room setup is no different than when he works, with a full security and communications team accompanying him with all the safety gear. Austin's assistants and support staff have also been with him all week at Walter Reed.
After monitoring the Houthi attack, Mr. Austin spoke with the National Security Council, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the head of US Central Command for a preliminary assessment.
Although the Pentagon has not released a damage assessment, multiple officials said they believe the Houthis' ability to carry out another attack on the ship has been impaired.
Mai Anh (according to AP)
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