US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced an unannounced visit to the Middle East, saying he was there to meet American troops engaged in what he described as a “historic mission”. His post did not specify the location of the visit or the mission.

Hegseth shared the update on social media late on Monday, according to US time. The announcement came hours after Axios reported that he was in Israel for a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Pentagon declined to comment when asked about Hegseth’s reported visit and the circumstances surrounding it.

Hegseth’s social media post did not confirm the reported meeting with Netanyahu or provide further details about his engagements in the region.

With AP inputs