(MENAFN) U.S. forces struck a ship in international waters of the Eastern Pacific on Tuesday after officials said the vessel was involved in narcotics trafficking, according to reports.

A senior U.S. official identified the action as being ordered by the president. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media: "Today, at the direction of President (Donald) Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO)," the statement said.

Authorities assessed that the target was actively engaged in illicit narcotics smuggling along a known trafficking route and was carrying contraband, U.S. intelligence sources told reporters.

Officials added that no American personnel were harmed and that two men aboard the craft were killed.

Hegseth framed the strike as part of a broader effort to halt drug flows into the United States, telling followers: "We will find and terminate every vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the homeland is our top priority. No cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military."

Details about the ship’s ownership, flag, and the identity of the group operating it were not released. Officials said investigations and assessments were ongoing to confirm the vessel’s links and to determine any follow-up actions.

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