WASHINGTON, January 6. /TASS/. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on January 1 due to complications from a medical procedure, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said.

"On the evening of January 1, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for complications following a recent elective medical procedure," the spokesman said in a statement. Ryder pointed out that the secretary is recovering and has returned to full duties since January 5.