US Strike Kills Tren De Aragua Leader
US President Donald Trump has said American forces killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, widely known as “Niño Guerrero”, the alleged leader of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, in a military strike. The operation was reportedly carried out with coordination from Venezuelan authorities.
US Strike Kills Tren De Aragua Leader
Trump said the strike targeted Guerrero, who was accused by Washington of leading one of the most violent transnational criminal organisations operating from Venezuela. The US described the operation as a precision military action against a Tren de Aragua-linked compound.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that Guerrero was killed in the strike. Venezuelan authorities described the operation as a coordinated action involving intelligence support and specialised technology.
Niño Guerrero Gang Network
Guerrero, also known as “Niño Guerrero”, had been wanted by US authorities in connection with organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering allegations.
Tren de Aragua began as a prison gang in Venezuela before expanding into a wider criminal network across Latin America and beyond. The gang has been accused of involvement in extortion, smuggling, trafficking and violent crime.
Trump Venezuela Gang Crackdown
The Trump administration had earlier designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organisation. US authorities had also offered a reward for information leading to Guerrero’s arrest.
The killing marks a major escalation in Washington’s campaign against transnational criminal groups linked to Venezuela. Further official details are expected on the location, timing and operational scope of the strike.
