WASHINGTON, Jan 12, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The Pentagon's independent inspector general will conduct a review of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent medical treatment and failure to report his hospitalization to the rest of the government, a memo released Thursday said.

"The objective of the review is to examine the roles, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and actions related to the Secretary of Defense's hospitalization in December 2023 - January 2024," the memo said, referring to Austin's hospitalizations for prostate cancer treatment and subsequent complications.