WASHINGTON, Feb 12, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is fighting prostate cancer, has transferred his duties to his deputy Kathleen Hicks, hours after he was taken to hospital for an "emergent bladder issue," a spokesman said.

"At approximately 4:55 pm today, Secretary Austin transferred the functions and duties of the office... to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The Deputy Secretary of Defense has assumed the functions and duties," Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement, adding that Austin was still receiving treatment and that the White House and Congress had been informed.