U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the public for the first time since his recent hospitalization and the tragic death of three U.S. service members. Speaking from the Pentagon, Secretary Austin expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the incident. The fallen soldiers, Sergeant William J. Rivers, Sergeant Kennedy L. Sanders, and Sergeant Brianna A. Moffett, were Army Reserve soldiers serving at Tower 22.
Secretary Austin extended his thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the deceased soldiers. He acknowledged that the grief they are experiencing will never fade and assured them of the continuous support from the Department of Defense. He also expressed his prayers for the recovery of the other American troops who were wounded in the attack.
The attack involved a one-way attack drone that struck the living quarters of the soldiers. Secretary Austin emphasized that the Department of Defense is currently in the process of gathering all the necessary information to better understand the deadly attack. These soldiers were crucially assigned to support Operation Inherent Resolve and work with partners to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS. Secretary Austin reiterated the commitment to safeguarding American troops and holding those responsible for the attack accountable.
Secretary Austin highlighted that the deadly attack was carried out by radical militias backed by Iran, operating within Syria and Iraq. He emphasized the dangerous situation in the Middle East, with various terrorist groups funded by Iran seeking to escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized the United States' determination to avoid wider conflict but assured that necessary actions will be taken to defend U.S. interests and respond to attacks.
In addition to addressing the incident, Secretary Austin also discussed his recent hospitalization. He confirmed that he is recovering well but is still experiencing leg pain and undergoing physical therapy. Secretary Austin took responsibility for not informing the President and the public about his cancer diagnosis and expressed remorse for his actions. He apologized to his colleagues and the American people for the lack of transparency and promised to implement new procedures to prevent such lapses in the future.
Secretary Austin revealed that he was being treated for prostate cancer, a highly treatable form of cancer. He emphasized the importance of regular screenings for men, particularly older men, and encouraged others to prioritize their health. Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude for the support and good wishes he has received and thanked his doctors and the nursing staff at Walter Reed for their care.
The Department of Defense has initiated an internal review, as well as a review by the DOD Inspector General, to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and Secretary Austin's hospitalization. Secretary Austin acknowledged the ongoing investigations and stated that he may need to provide further information at a later time.
In conclusion, Secretary Austin reiterated the government's commitment to protect U.S. troops and interests. He expressed remorse for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis promptly and emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups in early detection and treatment of diseases.
