Story highlights "I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem," Trump said

Transcript was obtained by the Intercept, The Washington Post and The New York Times

(CNN) US President Donald Trump told his Philippines' counterpart that he was doing a good job fighting an illegal drug epidemic in his country, an effort that has led to thousands of deaths and drawn international condemnation from human rights groups.

"I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem," Trump said in the April 29 phone call, according to a leaked transcript of the conversation with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte published by the Intercept and also obtained by The Washington Post and The New York Times."Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that."

A senior US official briefed on the call independently verified the basics of the conversation to CNN, but said Trump was merely acknowledging the US is combating its own drug problem, not condoning violence and human rights violations.

A statement from the White House released shortly after the call described the conversation as "very friendly."

The comments were reportedly part of a Philippine government transcript.