U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth issued a stern warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on September 9th, 2025, stating that the United States is prepared to use its power to "destroy narcoterroristas" and that Maduro "has decisions to make." Hegseth asserted that Maduro is involved in narcotics trafficking, citing an existing reward and stating "the ball is on his side" regarding action to stop the flow of drugs. Hegseth's comments, posted on X via user @OrlvndoA at approximately 10:30 PM UTC on September 9th, 2025, come amid ongoing regional tensions and U.S. accusations of the Venezuelan regime's involvement in drug trafficking. This statement aligns with previous remarks made on the same day by former U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela, Mauricio M. Billingslea, who criticized the current U.S. approach to Venezuela as a "grave mistake" due to a perceived "lack of seriousness" from the Biden administration. U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar also reported the kidnapping of Julio Velazco, father of an opposition leader, describing it as "intolerable barbarity" by "Maduro's narco-regime." Earlier on September 9th, 2025, the White House reiterated the illegitimacy of the Venezuelan regime, citing the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States and announcing the elimination of 11 narco-terrorists in international waters who were intercepting drugs from a Venezuelan boat. Federal official Stephen Muldrow also stated on September 9th that the "Sunset poster," referring to the Cartel de los Soles, contributes to drug trafficking in Puerto Rico. Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated on September 9th, 2025, that Colombia would not permit its territory to be used for any potential invasion of Venezuela. Separately, Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino LĂłpez denied reports of a U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter flying into SimĂłn BolĂvar International Airport near MaiquetĂa on September 9th, 2025, calling such reports "fake news." This denial followed the posting of video evidence on X by user @Arr3ch0, purportedly showing the helicopter's flight path.
